Together We Bake (TWB) is an empowerment based, gender focused program for underserved women. TWB’s mission is to provide a comprehensive workforce training and personal development program to help women gain self-confidence, transferable workforce skills, and invaluable hands-on experience which will allow them to find sustainable employment and move toward self-sufficiency.

TWB is an innovative social enterprise, the program revolves around a small baking business. During each 8 week session, Team Members master skills in commercial food production, food safety (ServSafe) and business administration. The hands-on experience provides an opportunity to develop job readiness skills such as teamwork, assertive communication and conflict resolution skills. The program also covers soft skill development through empowerment and life skills groups involving discussions and activities that help women gain self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as develop healthy coping skills. Team Members meet with Job Counselors, trained volunteers from the community, to develop job readiness skills.

TWB also provides post program support to alumni Team Members through outreach efforts (phone, text, email, visits). TWB holds bi-monthly alumni gatherings to maintain personal connections and provide continued support from TWB.

TWB’s job training and personal development program serves women in need – low-income women facing barriers to employment including homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, recent immigration to the country, domestic violence, mental health and/or substance abuse issues. TWB serves women living in all jurisdictions of the Washington, DC metro area.