Social Enterprise Development for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence

Youth economic advancement

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Jenesse’s experience shows that mental health issues and persistent poverty are the two primary issues that undermine victims’ efforts to escape and establish healthy environments for themselves and their children. In addition to the direct physical impact of violence and mental health problems that survivors of domestic violence (DV) experience, lack of employment and employable skills is another factor that exacerbates the cycle of DV. Without viable means of supporting herself and her family, a woman may opt to return to the abuser simply because she has nowhere else to go. The economic self-sufficiency curriculum that is taught in our workforce development program and and the social enterprise initiative are powerful tools for breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Our goal is to rebuild survivors' self-esteem and give them an appreciation of their own unique inner and outer beauty and purpose through financial empowerment and mental and physical transformation.

Jenesse strives to give survivors of domestic violence the skills, tools, and support they need to achieve self-sufficiency, transforming their lives through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.
To that end, Jenesse offers entrepreneurship courses educating the participants about various business models, use of technology, budgeting, and financing their business.
Additionally, Jenesse's branded social enterprise launched its first pop-up last year. Jenesse underwrites the operating expenses for a retail boutique, where items created by survivors can be showcased and sold. Half of the proceeds goes directly to the survivors. The other half goes to Jenesse to support its ongoing services for victims of domestic violence and their families.
Last year, we secured the rights as registered owners of our "FORWARD by Jenesse Works" brand, marking a significant step in establishing a distinct identity for our social enterprise and vocational training programs.

Entrepreneurship programs and social enterprises in Los Angeles play a vital role in fostering healing and growth, especially for domestic violence survivors. Empowering and educating domestic violence survivors on how to achieve self-sufficiency and how to live a life free of violence not only impacts those victims and their loved ones but can have profound and positive reverberations on how communities and economies operate.
When survivors achieve economic stability, they contribute to their communities not just as consumers but as creators and innovators, who can create new opportunities for other members to develop new skills and secure meaningful jobs. Their participation helps to sustain and stimulate local economic growth.
In essence, entrepreneurship programs and social enterprises act not just as mechanisms of economic development but as catalysts for profound social change, promoting a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.