Women Who Found Their Footing at Ground Up
OUR STORY
Ground Up started with a simple belief: every woman deserves a second chance, the chance to build a stable, meaningful life, and work should help make that possible. But for many women and non-binary people navigating barriers to employment, work often looks very different. Competition, discrimination, and a lack of support can make it hard to land a job, let alone get ahead.
At Ground Up, we do things differently. We’re a food business built around people, where women overcoming adversity earn a paycheck while gaining the confidence, skills, and experience needed to move toward self-sufficiency. Here, work isn’t just about clocking in. It’s about showing up and building something lasting.
Our Impact By The Numbers
Every year Ground Up publishes the outcomes from our Production Apprenticeship Program. These are not projections or estimates. They are the real results of real women who showed up, did the work, and changed the trajectory of their lives. Behind every number is a person.
Since 2016
Women in program
150
Women graduated
57
Nonprofit partners
46
2025 graduation rate
80%
2026 Highlights
Women hired
15
Women graduated
12
Women housed
2
Job coach hours
120
Where graduates went:
- • Food manufacturing associate
- • Food packaging associate
- • Cosmetics manufacturing associate
- • Line cook
- • Administrative assistant
- • Warehouse associate
Where graduates went:
- • Mock interviews
• Food safety
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Computer skills
• Goal setting
• Understanding credit
• Communication skills
• Interviewing skills
• Email etiquette
Stephanie, Program Graduate
"Ground Up is truly a pillar of hope... When I felt that there wasn't any hope for me and wanted to give up, I was directed to apply at Ground Up. Their mission and belief in changing women’s lives by giving them a chance to overcome adversity is the hope and encouragement I needed to keep going."
Heather, Program Graduate
"I am so glad to have the opportunity to work with GU these past 5 months... it has grown my confidence levels in the areas of both interpersonal and production skills and I am forever grateful for this. I am so happy to be able to get to know the ladies that have been working alongside me as I look toward my future and prepare for the next phase of my life. Thank you Ground Up for brightening my path just a little bit more so I can see clearer the path that is meant for me!"
Dotty, Program Graduate
“I’ve learned so many different stations on the production line, and even how to mix. I loved it! My experience has given me confidence in my work and having people believe in me.”
Jamie, Program Graduate
“I like working at a place that has a higher mission than just making and selling their product. I can see that I am worthy of being part of the team.”
Meet Graduates of Ground Up
Every woman in the Ground Up apprenticeship program brings her own story. Below are some of the women who have come through our program and gone on to build something lasting.
Meet Kim
PROGRAM GRADUATE
Since joining the Ground Up team,Kim approaches every task with care, energy, and thoughtfulness— from prepping boxes and labeling jars to jumping in on the nut butter mixing line.
Meet Jamie
PROGRAM GRADUATE
As a hardworking member of our Production Apprentice team, Jamie has embraced every opportunity to grow — whether it's learning every role of the production line or stepping into mixing and mastering new skills!
Meet Lynn
PROGRAM GRADUATE
As one of our incredible Production Specialists, Lynn brings creativity, dedication, and heart to every shift — whether she’s loading pallets in the warehouse or helping jars of nut butter make their way to your local store!
Meet Ren
PROGRAM GRADUATE
Ren is a recent graduate of our training program who has blossomed in her recent role as Warehouse Associate at Ground Up!
Meet Jen
PROGRAM GRADUATE
Since joining our team as a Production Apprentice during a pivotal chapter of her life, Jen has since rebuilt her confidence within our supportive community. Whether she's filling jars or mixing ingredients to make our delicious nut butter—she does it all!
Meet Bonnie
PROGRAM GRADUATE
After joining us during a challenging chapter in her life, Bonnie quickly became an integral part of our team. Today, she’s thriving in her new role at a family-owned warehouse with the skills she built at Ground Up!
Meet Sam
PROGRAM GRADUATE
Meet Sam! During her time at Ground Up, Sam was known for her eagerness to dive into any task and the positivity she brought to every corner of the kitchen.
Meet Tiffany
PROGRAM GRADUATE
The first person to master our filling machine, Tiffany was a crucial member of our kitchen team. She has done nearly every role at Ground Up, ultimately becoming our Warehouse Manager (and lead forklift operator)!
Meet Erika
PROGRAM GRADUATE
Erika was our Lead Filler, meaning she puts together and takes apart our filling machine (which is a very impressive task)! She also learned marketing and social media at Ground Up—and hopes to pursue work in that field upon graduating!
Meet J
PROGRAM GRADUATE
J could label for hours on end, with a smile on her face and music blasting in her headphones. She has now graduated from our training program and moved into full time employment at Transition Projects!
What to Be Part of This?
If you work with women who are ready to build job skills and earning power, we would love to connect. Learn more about becoming a nonprofit referral partner or refer a candidate directly to our program.
Become a Referral Partners - Email: hiring@grounduppdx.com
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