Empower
Empowerment that Builds Futures
The Reality
Opportunity Changes
What’s Possible
Access to education, job training, and economic pathways shapes what someone can build for their future. When those pathways are limited or difficult to navigate, structural barriers can stand in the way of income growth and long-term independence.
OUR APPROACH
Empowerment
Through Skills
and Access
Empower programs equip individuals with the training, guidance, and resources needed to move toward economic self-sufficiency. Building new skills and expanding access to career pathways allows people to increase their earning potential and shape their own direction.
This work is rooted in dignity. Having the tools to grow professionally, navigate systems, and make informed choices strengthens both confidence and long-term independence. Through partnerships with public workforce systems and community organizations, these pathways become more accessible and sustainable over time.
Impact at a Glance
16
WEEKS OF SECTOR-SPECIFIC TRAINING
77%
Graduation Rate
108
Clients Served
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Pathways to
Career Growth
Workforce development programs provide practical training and career pathways that help individuals build skills, gain confidence, and move toward stability.
Youth Pathways
Career Exploration & Tech Training
Youth Pathways helps young adults ages 18–30 in South LA explore careers, build professional skills, and plan their next step through free training, personalized coaching, and a stipend. Participants begin with the six-week Root Program, then can apply for a 16-week Tech Pathway focused on AI, web technology, and hands-on projects. No diploma or previous experience is required.
Impact Focus
Bread & Roses Training Kitchen
Hands-On Culinary Training
This 12-week program prepares students for entry-level roles in the food industry through practical training with a professional chef. Participants gain real-world experience and complete restaurant internships that often lead to employment.
Impact Focus
Codetalk
Web Technology & Career Training
Codetalk prepares low-income, unemployed, and underemployed women for entry-level opportunities in technology. Through an intensive 16-week program, participants build web technology skills, gain hands-on project experience, and develop a digital portfolio. Professional development and career support help graduates take their next step toward employment and financial stability.
Impact Focus
Youth Pathways
Career Exploration & Tech Training
Youth Pathways helps young adults ages 18–30 in South LA explore careers, build professional skills, and plan their next step through free training, personalized coaching, and a stipend. Participants begin with the six-week Root Program, then can apply for a 16-week Tech Pathway focused on AI, web technology, and hands-on projects. No diploma or previous experience is required.
Impact Focus
Bread & Roses Training Kitchen
Hands-On Culinary Training
This 12-week program prepares students for entry-level roles in the food industry through practical training with a professional chef. Participants gain real-world experience and complete restaurant internships that often lead to employment.
Impact Focus
Codetalk
Web Technology & Career Training
Codetalk prepares low-income, unemployed, and underemployed women for entry-level opportunities in technology. Through an intensive 16-week program, participants build web technology skills, gain hands-on project experience, and develop a digital portfolio. Professional development and career support help graduates take their next step toward employment and financial stability.
Impact Focus
REINTEGRATION & ECONOMIC STABILITY
Rebuilding Foundations
for Independence
Navigating public systems, securing income, and rebuilding life after disruption requires coordinated guidance and steady support.
Benefits & Assistance Support
Guidance for Income and Benefits
Case managers work alongside individuals to identify realistic income options and connect to public benefits and other financial resources that help cover basic needs. Support may also include practical money management guidance, helping individuals maintain stability while continuing to move forward.
Impact Focus
Re-Entry Services
Support for Community Reintegration
Re-entry services provide coordinated case management and connection to essential resources that support a stable transition back into community life after incarceration. Through individualized guidance and consistent support, individuals are empowered to move forward with greater independence and long-term stability.
Impact Focus
Benefits & Assistance Support
Guidance for Income and Benefits
Case managers work alongside individuals to identify realistic income options and connect to public benefits and other financial resources that help cover basic needs. Support may also include practical money management guidance, helping individuals maintain stability while continuing to move forward.
Impact Focus
Re-Entry Services
Support for Community Reintegration
Re-entry services provide coordinated case management and connection to essential resources that support a stable transition back into community life after incarceration. Through individualized guidance and consistent support, individuals are empowered to move forward with greater independence and long-term stability.
Impact Focus
Community Impact
Stories of Hope
Every story starts with someone reaching out and then finding a path forward.
Share the Season
St. Joseph Center’s Annual Campaign to provide Thanksgiving meals and holiday gift cards to individuals and families in need.