Our Promise in Action: With Families, For Good

We accompany families on their journey out of poverty by listening to their needs, co-designing solutions, and investing in dignified work. The result is a network of family-owned businesses that provide a living income and serve their communities.

1637

FAMILY MEMBERS ACCOMPANIED

Including 190 students who received educational scholarships.

62

SMALL BUSINESSES FUNDED & MENTORED

Receiving investment to provide sustainable, living wages.

93M+

LBS OF RECYCLABLES RESCUED

Protecting our planet while creating economic opportunity.

.3.

COMMUNITIES SERVED

Port-au-Prince, Haiti • Hualien, Taiwan • Accra, Ghana

VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

“THIS PROGRAM IS THE BEST THING THAT I CAN SEE IN THE COMMUNITY. IT DOES NOT GIVE YOU FISH TO EAT, BUT IT TEACHES YOU HOW TO FISH. WITH THE BUSINESS THAT I HAVE, I CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY AND TAKE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A MOTHER.”

-GLANISE, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

“THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE MY DREAMS THROUGH THIS [EDUCATION] SCHOLARSHIP IS A BLESSING. WITHOUT THIS SUPPORT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS. NOW, MY FUTURE IS BRIGHTER, AND I AM ON MY WAY TO BECOMING WHO I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE.”

-ANGELINA, HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT

CONGRATulations TO OUR 2024 graduating class!

We celebrate the 14 family members who completed our program this year, receiving investments and training to achieve financial independence. As graduates, they serve as community leaders and mentors, providing hope and inspiration for their neighbors and future Work families.

how we create impact

  • While informal workers collect over 60% of recycled materials, they have little say in their pay or working conditions. Our First Mile program transforms these systems by developing and lifting standards for responsible sourcing.

    Key Outcomes:

    • India: Implemented responsible sourcing programs in two of the largest recycling facilities in Hyderabad and Mumbai.

    • Vietnam: Brought traceability to the value chain in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, allowing workers to be identified and their needs addressed.

    • Global: Serving as the key Implementation Partner for the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, piloting a global framework in 5 geographies.

  • In Hualien, we accompany retired individuals like Mr. and Mrs. Shen, who have collected recyclables for 15 years to make ends meet. Our work addresses the demand for recycled materials and improves their working conditions and income.

    Key Outcome: Our plastic waste subsidy program doubled collection volumes, enabling collectors to earn essential income for daily needs like healthcare and rent.

Your Support Makes This Work Possible

A heartfelt thank you to our donors, volunteers, partners, and sponsors. Your commitment and support are what allow us to show up, listen, and stay until the work is done.