Global Neighborhood’s mission of ending refugee unemployment is reflected in every initiative we undertake. From our early days in 2011, where we employed just two refugees, to today, with over 40 permanent employees, our impact continues to grow. Through Ascend , our job training program, we reinforce power and autonomy, help refugees gain transferrable skills, and provide certifications while connecting participants with local employment partners for permanent employment and further education options for career advancement.
In 2022, we expanded our retail store to 20,000 square feet, increasing our capacity to provide jobs and training. In 2023 we served over 100 students in our ESL program, and so far in 2024 we have paid out $520,894.07 in wages and benefits to refugee employees. We are now poised for our next major initiative: launching a full-scale rag operation, which will create additional training opportunities and jobs with room for growth. This expansion aligns with our mission of ending refugee unemployment and our commitment to sustainability.