I am Women’s Bean Project: Pam

I grew up with six siblings. I was born and raised here in Denver, CO, and I lived off of 38th and Tennyson, where the old Elitch’s Gardens used to be. One of my favorite things to do is being in the outdoors. I love the mountains and I love to fish. I am also very family oriented and I do a lot of stuff with my kids and grandkids. My family is what motivates me to keep moving forward. I love them to death and they give me the inspiration to stay positive. 

I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I completed parole, graduated from Women’s Bean Project and received a job that I’m excited about. Now my goal is to grow within the new company and learn new skills. I’m also working on getting my own place and to finish my GED. Eventually, I want to go back to school and get my degree in culinary arts because my dream is to open my own pastry and coffee shop in New York City. Before my grandmother passed, she told me “you’re never too old to learn something new.” So I take her words and apply it to my life. That’s why I want to encourage other women to do what they want to do. 

One of the most important things I’ve learned throughout my life is my value and myself. That is something that wasn’t given to me so I had to learn it. My mother-in-law from my first marriage was the first person to teach me how to love one another and forgive each other. She showed me how to value my children and my own self-worth. She was always there in my time of need and it’s something I always valued. I hadn’t had that before with my own parents, so she showed me a new way to have family. 

Throughout my life I have experienced many challenges but every experience helped me discover who I am and what my values are. Today, I’ve learned to stand up for myself. I trust who I am as a person and where I’m going in life. I’ve learned to appreciate the value of freedom. I take my freedom very seriously and I won’t let anything interfere with it. 

I look at myself and I know I can do it. I say aloud to myself each day something I accomplished. This gives me confidence and shows that I’ve come a long ways from where I was two years ago. 

I’m getting ready to finish the program here at Women’s Bean Project, and I’m very proud of that accomplishment. I really appreciate what I’ve done here. Women’s Bean Project has given me skills like working with machinery, putting together products and customer service, which have made a big difference. I’ve also gained friendships with other women in the program, which I wouldn’t normally do. Jessica and Miranda gave me a second chance to work here, and I’m grateful for that. 

My whole experience here has been awesome. I can look at myself and be proud of the work I’ve done at the end of the job, and everything I’ve accomplished and what I’m learning. Within the 7 months I’ve been here, I’ve accomplished a lot and built a lot of self-confidence. I’m looking forward to taking the skills I’ve gained here and applying them to my next job as a baker at a restaurant. Women’s Bean Project will teach you self-ability and self-esteem. But you have to take the company and apply it to yourself.  

I‘m happy knowing that I can move forward. I am back with all three of my kids and I live with my oldest daughter and three grandsons. I also have a positive relationship with Alex. It’s time for me to move forward from my past and move to the present.