Refer a Woman for the 7-Day Work Program

Referral Window Closed

Dear Partners,

At this time, without a clear plan to bring in a significant number of artisans, we feel it’s best to close the current waitlist. Our goal is to ensure we’re serving women as effectively as possible and setting everyone up for success.

Moving forward, we’ll shift to an “open window” referral process. This means we’ll notify you whenever we’re accepting new participants, rather than maintaining an ongoing waitlist.

Please know that same-day pay is not going away — we’re simply restructuring the program to better fit our capacity and make the greatest impact. Like many nonprofits, we’re experiencing increased demand with fewer resources, and we’re taking this pause to be thoughtful and strategic about next steps.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we strengthen this program for the future.

Maggie Burch
Director of Programs

 

 

Designed For Joy provides women emerging from crisis with stability through transitional employment and support, helping to remove the stigma of vulnerability. Beyond employment we offer resources, encouragement, and a safe, supportive community. We aim for a future where every woman has the opportunity to earn a living wage through dignified work.

The 7-Day Work Program is the entry point for all of Designed For Joy’s services. Referred women are given the title Designed for Joy “Artisans.” Under this position women earn daily funds for immediate needs by working for five hours a day, up to 7 days at a competitive wage of $ 17.50 an hour in cash at the end of each. Women in this program receive proactive care management support, which extends for three weeks after they leave. All referrals to Designed For Joy are directed to the 7-Day Work Program. 

Physical Requirements

  • Able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Good grip strength
  • Fine motor skills
  • Capable of lifting fifteen pounds
  • Good eyesight
  • Open to learning new skills
  • Able to take instruction well

Care Management

At Designed for Joy, we practice care management by meeting with each artisan individually to assess their needs, goals, and strengths - ensuring they feel heard and empowered. Based on assessments we connect artisans with critical resources such as housing, transportation, mental health services, and employment opportunities. 

Resources

We are committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry, whether at work or at home through provided meals, groceries, and supplies. Artisans are welcome to arrive at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast before their paid work time begins at 9:30 a.m. During the workday, artisans receive a 30-minute paid break during which they can help themselves to provided lunch supplies. Twice a week, volunteers prepare lunch for our community. Additionally, Ship Community Outreach provides Designed For Joy with groceries for artisans to take home on Mondays.

Artisans have access to a washer and dryer and are welcome to do their laundry while working. We will supply them with basic personal hygiene and household cleaning items. While at work, Artisans have access to a computer to complete paperwork or apply for jobs.

Employment

Work hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Artisans are involved in tasks such as taping pattern pieces together, trimming hems of leather products, attaching rivets, and other teachable tasks. We don’t expect any prior work experience. 

Designed For Joy's programs are transitional employment opportunities. As North Carolina is an "employment at-will" state, we believe in second chances and beyond. However, if things are not working with an artisan, we may end her employment. We wish her the best, and hope our paths may cross again in the future.

Background checks are not required as a condition for employment. During the 3-Month Primary Program, artisans may opt in for  background check, in which the results are then reviewed with the artisan. Alongside the delivery of their letter of recommendation as part of our strength-based approach to care. Artisans are coached through discussing their background check with potential employers. 

Program Partners

We are very grateful for our program partners and recognize their crucial role in supporting Designed For Joy’s mission and vision. Case managers are expected to refer women who will responsibly show up for work and are a good fit for our 7-Day Work Program. This collaboration helps us provide the best possible experience for both the artisan and Designed for Joy.