Underserved women facing barriers to employment – homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, recent immigration, domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse – find opportunity and community at Together We Bake. The innovative program revolves around a small baking business in which Team Members develop the skills and confidence to gain and sustain employment. They master skills in commercial food production and food safety, and in critical business administration. Participants learn soft skills – communication, teamwork, relationships – in personal empowerment and life skills groups. They also work with a trained, volunteer job counselor from the community to develop a meaningful career plan. TWB's post-program support includes outreach, connections to livable wage employment, and access to critical resources through community partners. Alumni gatherings allow the women to maintain connections and support with their all-important TWB family.

Headquarters: VA-City of Alexandria

Where They Operate: VA-City of Alexandria

Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Women/Girls


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   125
  • % of women who attain their ServSafe (food safety) certification:   92%
  • % of TWB alumni who are currently employed:   70%
  • Recidivism rate TWB alumni :   9%
  • % of women who complete the program:   87%

Awards & Recognition

• TWB was chosen as the Best Non-Profit by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (October 2018).

• Senator Tim Kaine visited TWB for a roundtable conversation with TWB alumni and staff (June 2018).

• TWB was chosen as a recipient of the Goods and Services Initiative between Street Sense and Washington Area Community Investment Fund (February 2018).

• TWB honored as “Recovery Champions” by the City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (September 2017).

• Elizabeth Bennett, TWB Co-Director, was recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 40 leaders under the age of 40 (April 2017).

• TWB received a Creator Award from WeWork recognizing our innovative and successful job training and empowerment model (March 2017).

• TWB was part of the White House Champions of Change for Expanding Fair Chance Opportunities. Stephanie participated in an "armchair conversation" with Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to the Obama Administration (April 2016).

• TWB's founders, Tricia Sabatini and Stephanie Wright, received the Leadership in Business and Career Development Award presented by The Alexandria Commission for Women during the 36th Annual Salute to Women Awards (March 2016).

• Co-Founder Stephanie Wright was appointed by Governor McAuliffe as a Member of the Criminal Justice Services Board (June 2015)

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2022)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Together We Bake is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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