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.

2023 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 that have experienced homelessness, teen parenting, justice involvement or involvement in the foster care system.  These circumstances have had a negative impact on 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 held at schools and neighborhood parks.  

A new program this year is the The Land of 10,000 Diverse Urban 4th Grade Birdwatchers.  This video captures the essence of that program and its impact on Elpis interns.

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

Thank you for your support!

Paul Ramsour

Executive Director, Elpis Enterprises