Would-Works

At Would Works, we are committed to help youth with barriers to employment to heal, learn new skills, grow their confidence and prepare for their next opportunities, by providing paid, creative, hands-on woodworking training in a supportive community. We envision a future where communities and systems work together to advance human dignity, increasing creative economic opportunities for all and enabling people to thrive in balance with each other. Thus demonstrating that more equitable workforce models are possible.

Peoples' Workshop hosts introductory workshops, free to the unhoused (includes justice-impacted, veterans, transitional age youth) and the community. We provide enrichment in the craft of woodworking, in a safe space - a respite from stressful lives - where participants can process their challenges creatively, identify skills they may not know they had, and do hands-on activities that are calm and centering. Our goal is that participants will gain insight into what woodworking is, and want to join our regular job training program.

The Community Builders Program (CBP) provides job training and employment in woodworking, furniture fabrication and community based design for housing insecure residents of LA. In this program, participants design and build accessible furniture for outdoor gathering spaces at supportive housing sites, homeless service centers, and other public spaces around LA. CBP creates sustainable, safe, vibrant spaces for the unhoused/recently housed community, while creating pathways to creative careers for people ready to (re)enter the workforce.

Would-Works is seeking permanent workspace to grow!