Kherut

Kherut's mission is to empower survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, prison, and women aging out of foster care in a safe and supportive environment. We provide jemployment, training, and mentorship leading to long-term career opportunities within our social enterprise food services business platform leading to lasting change.

Kherut is the "missing pillar" offering training and long-term employment opportunities for survivors of human trafficking, at-risk women who have experienced abuse, rape, prostitution, abandonment, prison, etc. as well as at-risk youth and those aging out of the foster care system. All this begins with our WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM which offers a chance to learn, grow and build a career leading to long-term independence AND begin earning a paycheck.

Kherut's vision relies on the power of partnership. We believe in the Four Pillars of Success, which are employment, childcare, transportation, and housing. We cannot do all of it, but together, we can each help build these pillars into the strong foundations needed for permanent change. Partnering Programs are key to all survivors, in all walks of life; partnerships that walk through the "before, during and after".

"2024: Lives Transformed!"

-One woman has reconciled with her family and now has overnight privileges with her three children after years of separation, underscoring Kherut’s role in fostering family relationships.

- Two women are taking ESL classes at their local community colleges, reflecting the program’s emphasis on holistic growth.

- Two women have moved into long-term housing with their children after being homeless, living in motels and cars, highlighting the program's focus on transitioning from surviving to thriving.

- One woman has successfully transitioned to Administrative Assistant and is now assisting with our donor management, social media, and marketing, highlighting the program's focus on empowering participants through new opportunities and a vision for their future.

- One woman came to us only one week sober. She has now graduated from a sobriety program and highlighting the importance of collaboration between programs in creating a path to handle both personal and professional challenges.

IMPACT STATS

- 8 new clients new clients entered our workforce training program earning an average hourly wage of $20/hr
- Clients received 2,763 of 1:1 mentorship in life skills, professional development and emotional support
- 50% of clients who completed the training program in the past have retained employment with Kherut for more than 1 year
- Clients who continue with Kherut are earning an average hourly wage of $20/hr

- Raise funds to cover the 420-hour paid training, including certifications, uniforms, and hourly training costs
- Raise funds to cover training of two team members in admin support
- Raise funds to support transportation needs, including car maintenance & repairs, insurance, gas cards, Uber/Lyft
- Raise funds for maintenance of training kitchen, including quarterly hood cleaning & maintenance and annual Health Permit

Kherut serves the North Orange County area but its scalable, workforce training model will be able to expand into many cities around the county, then the state and eventually, the entire country.

2024 brought exciting developments for Kherut, and we are thrilled to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had so far!

We continue to grow and adapt in ways that strengthen our mission. We had the opportunity to streamline our office space by reducing our footprint by 1,300 sq ft, focusing on renting only the space we truly need. This change, along with other support, has allowed us to form new partnerships and hire more women.

Each woman who joins our team reminds us why we do this work. Their individual stories vary, but what binds them is their shared desire to approach life with fresh eyes. Despite challenges like temporary housing, the loss of children, public transportation struggles, and legal issues, they show up on time, with smiles, ready to work hard and find hope again. Kherut has become a place of comfort and community—a workplace that values their success both professionally and personally. For example, two of the women who completed their training this year and are now employed full-time have moved into their own housing; a huge step in becoming independent and providing for their families.

2024 has also brought tremendous blessings:

- A beautiful new transport/catering van was donated to enhance our operations.
- We secured funding to replace old and purchase new equipment in our training kitchen.
- Thanks to donated computers and additional funding to upgrade some systems, we will launch our partnership with Santa Ana College, complete with support to hire an administrator for the program.

While we eagerly anticipate the opening of the delayed elderly housing project (now expected by fall of 2025), we are filled with gratitude for all we’ve achieved together. Our team continues to share laughter, joy, and incredible food that we are proud to serve.

We look forward to sharing more success stories in 2025 and beyond!

Yves Masquéfa

I had the honor of joining the Kherut board in 2024. During my time as a board member, I have witnessed the transformative work this organization does for the women who come to Kherut seeking opportunities they may not have access to elsewhere.

In 2024, Kherut finalized a partnership agreement with Santa Ana College, and we will soon begin offering high-quality classes and technical skills training. These classes will provide proficiency in software applications such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and Word. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from Santa Ana College, enhancing their credentials and employability. Additionally, they will have access to free services provided by the college, further supporting their academic and career endeavors.

We are excited to be adding new partners. Haven Services who offer free tax preparation and financial planning services and The Purpose of Recovering, offering personal life mentoring support. We look forward to future partnerships that will help the women we serve find healing, strength, knowledge and security for their future.

This year, I stepped into my new role as Kherut's Chairman of the Board. It is with great excitement and gratitude that I embrace this opportunity to lead the organization into new projects and continue scaling the sacred work we do—with grace and dignity—for the women we serve.

Rosie Papazian