REDF

Employment social enterprises aren’t just another type of business. They’re purpose-built to create jobs and economic mobility for overlooked talent. How do they do it? Head to www.redf.org to meet the tenacious leaders we back and the businesses they’re building. #employmentsocialenterprise #socent #inclusiveeconomy

Say hello to the 20 leaders powering our 2026 #REDFAccelerator! 🚀 These changemakers lead 10 employment social enterprises (ESEs) across the U.S., creating meaningful work opportunities for people overcoming barriers to employment. Over the next 6 months, they’ll learn, share, and grow together—building skills and strategies to further amplify their impact and work. Let’s give it up for the 2026 Accelerator Cohort! 🎉 Down North Pizza Elocin Global Logistics L&F Project Management MaineWorks My Connect Community PowerCorpsPHL Respond Crisis Translation Thrive New Orleans Trade Institute of Pittsburgh Urban Roots MN Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eTYd4rvJ

For the host who makes every gathering feel special: a gift that celebrates warmth and purpose. Our latest Gifts That Give Back series features mission-driven businesses across the country, each supporting individuals reentering the workforce and overcoming barriers like homelessness or incarceration. This week’s spotlight: Home & Host Essentials. From handcrafted snack bowls to cozy aprons, these thoughtful gifts add extra meaning, and extra warmth, to every gathering. ✨ Shop the Home & Host Essentials guide: https://lnkd.in/eTv2FMGY

Thank you for believing in us. Happy Holidays from REDF! ✨

LA:RISE brings together partners across sectors with a shared mission: to help Angelenos facing employment barriers achieve economic mobility. Meet Reyna, a recent participant at the Downtown Women's Center (DWC). After experiencing homelessness connected to mental health and addiction challenges, Reyna joined the LA:RISE program at DWC. With support from DWC staff, she completed job readiness training, financial literacy classes, harm reduction and trauma-informed care workshops, and explored careers in healthcare. Through that guidance, she built the confidence and skills to pursue stable employment serving women experiencing homelessness. “I know now the path I want to take,” she said. “I’m excited to start my career and keep learning.” Way to go, Reyna! ✨ Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dCTs6WJ

For the foodie in your life: a gift that delights the palate and makes a difference. Our latest Gifts That Give Back series highlights mission-driven businesses across the country, each one supporting individuals entering the workforce and breaking through barriers to employment like homelessness or incarceration. This week’s spotlight: Sweet & Savory Treats. Explore gourmet seasonings, tasting flights, artisanal snacks, and handcrafted sweets—each made with purpose, possibility, and a whole lot of heart. ✨ Shop the Sweet and Savory Treats guide: https://lnkd.in/eZARWZHd

For the coffee or tea connoisseur in your life: a gift that tastes good and does good. Our latest Gifts That Give Back series features mission-driven businesses across the country, each one supporting individuals reentering the workforce breaking through barriers to employment like homelessness or incarceration. This week’s spotlight: Coffee & Tea Lovers. Explore aromatic coffees, soothing teas, honey, and cozy drinkware that warms hearts, mugs, and futures! Shop the Coffee & Tea Lovers guide: https://lnkd.in/gRtUBqNa

This summer, Erica Ng, MBA candidate at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, joined REDF as a Farber Fellow and worked with EMERGE Community Development in Minnesota. There she helped develop a pilot program for curbside recycling and reuse that creates jobs for people impacted by the criminal justice system while advancing environmental sustainability - way to go Erica! The Farber Fellowship gives early-career leaders the chance to dive into high-impact projects across REDF’s employment social enterprise (ESE) network, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to meaningful change. Since 1997, REDF has welcomed over 200 Fellows, and will soon welcome more with applications for next year opening in early December! Learn what it’s like to be a Farber Fellow through Erica’s story: https://lnkd.in/ejB8ixsZ

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of showing REDF board member, William M. Washington III, the magic of employment social enterprises in D.C. Debbie Chou, Principal, Growth Portfolio and Carla Javits, Senior Advisor, hosted a brunch at Emma's Torch, joined by some incredible employment social enterprises (ESEs) — Civic Works, Inc., Clean Decisions LLC, and GreenIsland Bakery — as well as our partners at America Forward. Over great conversation and a delicious meal, we toured Emma’s Torch’s training space, where refugees build the skills and confidence to launch meaningful careers in the food industry. And with a perfect bit of timing, the day wrapped with a visit to a newly opened Zen Garden designed by the Clean Decisions—an ESE that provides career pathways in landscaping and cleaning work as well as wraparound support for people returning home from incarceration. Moments like this remind us just how powerful these enterprises are in showing what’s possible when people get the chance they deserve. Huge thanks to everyone who joined, and a special shoutout to William for sharing his time, energy, and story with us!

This People and Planet First Week, we’re spotlighting employment social enterprises (ESEs) in the REDF community that are People and Planet First verified — businesses creating meaningful employment for people overcoming barriers to work like homelessness or incarceration, and taking care of our planet! Many of these mission-driven businesses are featured in our holiday Social Enterprise Shop Guide, where every purchase helps provide job training and opportunities, giving people who have been boxed out of our economy a path to economic power. ✨ Support social enterprises this holiday — shop now: https://lnkd.in/eZARWZHd #PeopleAndPlanetFirstWeek ✨ Featured here: North Lawndale Employment Network Greyston Bakery Homeward Bound of Marin UNSHATTERED Southwest Creations Collaborative Bright Endeavors Thistle Farms Rebel Nell Women's Bean Project Piece by Piece