ABOUT US
The Downtown Women’s Center was founded in 1978, making it the first and only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women.
Throughout the years, the Downtown Women’s Center has grown to include many programs and support services, including a drop-in day center, permanent supportive housing, and health care services.
In 2011, MADE by DWC was launched offering women the opportunity to earn income while gaining job skills and experience. Women are employed within the social enterprise and attend skill-development workshops while receiving additional employment support services. Through this innovative approach, we continue to help women develop skills and gain the experience needed to find employment to support their transition out of homelessness.
MADE by DWC now includes three businesses - our Home & Gift Collection, our Resale Boutique, and our Cafe & Gift Boutique. All three provide women with opportunities to gain experience in production, inventory, retail, and customer service industries, while working in a supportive and empowering environment.
Every purchase you make at MADE by DWC empowers women transitioning out of homelessness.
IN 2023, with your support through purchases and donations, we were able to support women trough employment and job-training.Every woman at MADE by DWC earns an income and a space to focus on long-term career growth opportunities.
2023 IMPACT
44 TRANSITIONAL JOBS paid job-training roles
13,000+ training hours
$251,800+ in earned income invested back into the local community
72% COMPLETION rate from transitional jobs
SUCCESS MEASURED
Each year, we bring on an amazing group of women with an array of talents. You might have met a few of them in our IG and newsletters.
“The one thing I want the world to know about MADE by DWC is that they are totally committed to uplifting women. MADE by DWC is not new to this, MADE by DWC is true to this.” -Tyana, graduate.
“To have somebody to care that you’ve been through what you’ve been though makes me feel fantastic, makes me feel good inside that somebody cares.”
- PAM
“I want to prepare myself to go back to work, and the SET to Work program gives me more skills and motivates me.”
- ALISA
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@MADEBYDWC
