Elpis Enterprises

Our mission is “Fostering Youth Development Through Social Enterprise.” While our vision is employment success for our trainees, underlying that vision is having the community see our trainees and graduates for their skills and talents rather than be defined by their needs.

2024 has been an exceptional year for Elpis Enterprises. By the end of the year, we will have hosted 36 paid internships for young people ages 16-24 who have experienced homelessness, teen parenting, justice involvement, or involvement in the foster care system. These circumstances have negatively impacted their ability to stay employed and move beyond an entry-level position.

Our work readiness program is rooted in the social enterprises that we own and operate.  In addition to a full-service imprint business (screen printing and embroidery), we operate a small manufacturing business that recycles cedar fences and makes a line of outdoor products such as bird feeders and nesting boxes.  Elpis interns facilitate community-building workshops through experiential activities at schools and neighborhood parks.  Our newest product is a tote bag made from recycled coffee bean bags.  Our sewing training program, which has an entrepreneurial focus, markets these bags to coffee shops across Minnesota.

Below is a story about Elpis included in KARE 11's Land of 10,000 Stories.

Your support during Give to the Max helps ensure that these programs will continue to be offered and that future interns will gain from these experiences.

Thank you for your support!

Paul Ramsour

Executive Director, Elpis Enterprises