A Place of Healing – A Voice of Hope.
JOB TRAINING AT LYDIA'S LADLE
Safe and reliable employment for victims of domestic violence.
Many women and children fleeing from abuse leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs — seeking to begin a new life with no money or savings. This financial strain is further complicated by the challenges of finding employment while living in a crisis shelter. Single mothers struggle to meet the demands of a traditional 9-to-5 job while serving as the sole caregiver for their children. And even if they held a previous job, victims of domestic violence do not have the ability to safely contact or rely on former colleagues for job references.
Without job training and employment advocacy, it can be incredibly difficult for women to achieve financial independence after leaving their abuser. But stability is key to rebuilding a hopeful future. This is exactly why Lydia’s Ladle was created.
Lydia’s Ladle is a USDA-certified social enterprise kitchen operated by the residents of Lydia’s House. Working at the Ladle provides an immediate source of income and, most importantly, a confidentially located and secure place of employment. Support the women of Lydia’s Ladle by purchasing our Chicken Pot Pie or Very Berry Pie at a grocery store near you.
Lydia’s Ladle Pies Sold in One Year
Why is Job Training Important for Survivors of Domestic Violence?
The economic toll of domestic violence is significant: whether the affected individual is a stay-at-home mother, a working mom or a career woman struggling to hold down a job in the midst of personal trauma. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV):
- Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year
- Up to 60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse
What We Provide
Lydia’s Ladle was created by women and for women. Karen Kirk, President & CEO of Lydia’s House, identified the need for flexible employment which could accommodate the needs of single mothers who were residents of Lydia’s House. Since its launch in 2013, Lydia’s Ladle has provided job placement for 41 survivors who have moved on to other employment outside of Lydia’s House.
Women who participate in job training at Lydia’s Ladle gain:
- An Immediate Source of Income
- Confidentially Located Employment
- Flexible Operating Hours
- Provided Work Attire
- Hospitality & Food Service Skills
- USDA-certified Kitchen Training
- A Sense of Pride & Accomplishment
- Contacts for Future Job References
- Recent Work History for a Resume
- Access to Farm-Fresh Produce
Women who participate in job training at Lydia’s Ladle gain:
- An Immediate Source of Income
- Confidentially Located Employment
- Flexible Operating Hours
- Provided Work Attire
- Hospitality & Food Service Skills
- USDA-certified Kitchen Training
- A Sense of Pride & Accomplishment
- Contacts for Future Job References
- Recent Work History for a Resume
- Access to Farm-Fresh Produce
Financial Support for Lydia’s House
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Lydia’s House relies on the generous support of donors and volunteers to meet the needs of the families we serve. Lydia’s Ladle, LLC, provides critical revenue not only for its employees, but for the organization as a whole. The proceeds from each Lydia’s Ladle pie sold directly supports Lydia’s House. Your purchase helps end the cycle of poverty caused by domestic violence in the St. Louis region.
Lydia’s Ladle Chicken Pot Pie and Very Berry Pie are available at select grocery stores in the St. Louis area, and can be found in the frozen foods section or the frozen whole foods section. Click below to see the ingredients list, baking instructions and a list of locations where Lydia’s Ladle pies are available. Please support the women of Lydia’s Ladle.
Building a Life of Hope
“I really struggled when I first came to Lydia’s House, but the staff helped me learn from my mistakes instead of making me feel bad about them. My staff advocate helped me to set goals and stay focused, because I wanted a better life for my girls. Although I was finally able to move into my own apartment, I still go to support groups and meet with my advocate. Their support has truly been a blessing in my life. I finally feel safe, and I’m so glad that my girls will know how to love without pain.”
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