In a world that often writes people off after their mistakes, there are few organizations brave enough to do the opposite — to believe, rebuild, and empower. Let’s Build Up is one of those rare places. More than a name, it’s a call to action — a movement that says everyone deserves a second chance, especially justice-involved women who are determined to change their future.
Whether you’re someone looking to understand how economic mobility works, or you’re searching for a way to support underestimated communities, this article will walk you through what letsbuildup.org is doing, why it matters, and how we can all be part of the change.
What is Let’s Build Up?
Let’s Build Up is a community-focused organization with a bold mission: to create pathways for economic mobility through workforce development, financial literacy, and real estate investment education. Their programs are designed with intention — to break cycles of poverty, incarceration, and systemic inequality — and to offer justice-involved women the tools they need to thrive.
But let’s pause for a moment. What does “justice-involved” mean?
It refers to people who’ve had contact with the criminal justice system — whether through incarceration, probation, or court involvement. Often, these individuals face massive barriers when they try to reenter society: limited job opportunities, housing discrimination, social stigma, and more.
Let’s Build Up steps into that gap and says: You matter. Let’s rebuild — together.
Why This Work Matters
Let’s be real — the system isn’t designed for reintegration. In fact, many would say it’s set up to keep people cycling in and out of poverty and prison. That’s why organizations like Let’s Build Up are so critical.
Here’s why their work matters:
- 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after release.
- Women in the justice system face unique challenges — especially single mothers trying to regain custody, find housing, or simply survive.
- Without access to education or job training, many end up back in the system.
The cycle continues.
But Let’s Build Up offers another way.
The Power of Workforce Development
One of the main ways Let’s Build Up creates impact is through workforce development. But this isn’t your typical job-readiness program. It’s holistic, people-centered, and designed for long-term success.
Here’s what their workforce program includes:
- Soft Skills Training: Communication, time management, and teamwork.
- Hard Skills Training: Industry-specific skills, including construction, real estate, and administrative work.
- Resume & Interview Prep: Helping participants not only get the job — but keep it.
- Paid Apprenticeships: Real-world experience in professional settings.
This kind of training helps bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
A Story of Real Change
Meet Jasmine, a graduate of Let’s Build Up’s workforce program.
After spending three years incarcerated, Jasmine came home to find doors constantly closing in her face. Employers saw her record — not her drive. She slept on a friend’s couch, worked a series of part-time jobs, and felt like she was drowning.
Then she found Let’s Build Up.
She joined a training cohort, learned about financial literacy, got hands-on experience through a paid apprenticeship, and eventually landed a full-time job with a local real estate developer. Today, Jasmine is studying for her real estate license.
When asked what the program meant to her, she said:
“It wasn’t just about getting a job. It was about getting my confidence back. They saw me as more than my past.”
Financial Literacy: A Key to Freedom
Economic mobility isn’t just about earning more — it’s about knowing how to manage, save, and invest that money. That’s why financial literacy is a core part of the Let’s Build Up model.
Participants learn:
- How to budget
- Understanding credit scores
- Saving and investing basics
- Debt management
- How to build wealth over time
This is a game-changer for women who’ve never been taught how to manage money or build credit.
Think about it: how many of us learned financial literacy in school? Now imagine trying to navigate it all after being disconnected from society for years. That’s the reality for many justice-involved women — and that’s exactly why Let’s Build Up prioritizes financial education.
Real Estate: Ownership as Empowerment
Perhaps the most innovative part of the Let’s Build Up mission is their focus on real estate — not just as an investment tool, but as a means of empowerment and economic mobility.
They offer:
- Intro to Real Estate Classes
- Hands-On Property Rehabilitation Training
- Pathways to Property Ownership
- Community Housing Projects
Let’s Build Up helps participants understand how real estate works — how it can be used not just to make money, but to build generational wealth.
And here’s the twist: some of the women actually help renovate homes in their own communities. They gain skills, confidence, and sometimes even the chance to live in the homes they help rebuild.
That’s not just theory. That’s real impact.
Breaking the Cycle, Building the Future
The truth is, recidivism (the tendency to re-offend) often comes from lack of opportunity, not lack of motivation. When people return from incarceration and face a wall of closed doors, it becomes nearly impossible to move forward.
Let’s Build Up breaks down those walls.
They offer second chances — and third and fourth if needed — because they know transformation doesn’t happen overnight.
Their programs are designed to:
- Rebuild self-esteem
- Offer real economic tools
- Create access to housing
- Foster a sense of belonging
This is more than charity. It’s community investment.
Step-by-Step: How the Let’s Build Up Program Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how someone might move through the Let’s Build Up system:
Step 1: Enrollment
Women apply to join the program, often referred by community partners, parole officers, or local nonprofits.
Step 2: Assessment
Each participant receives an individual assessment. What are her needs? Strengths? Career goals?
Step 3: Foundational Training
Workshops cover job readiness, mindset growth, soft and hard skills, and financial literacy.
Step 4: Real Estate & Workforce Pathways
Depending on her interests, she may enter a real estate-focused track, join an apprenticeship, or prepare for full-time employment.
Step 5: Continued Mentorship
Even after graduation, the support doesn’t stop. Alumni can receive continued coaching, job placement assistance, and even housing help.
Why This Model Matters for Communities
Let’s Build Up isn’t just changing individual lives — it’s transforming entire communities. When women become homeowners, skilled workers, and leaders, they ripple out change.
Benefits to the community include:
- Reduced recidivism
- Safer neighborhoods
- More women in the workforce
- Increased community wealth
- Better outcomes for children of justice-involved parents
How You Can Support Let’s Build Up
If this mission resonates with you, here are ways you can get involved:
Donate
Your financial support helps fund training, housing, and job placement.
Hire a Graduate
If you’re an employer, consider hiring a program alum. You’ll gain a motivated, skilled team member — and help rebuild a life.
Partner as a Mentor or Volunteer
Offer your time, skills, or mentorship. Relationships are often what make the biggest difference.
Spread the Word
Share the story. Tell others about letsbuildup.org and what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often punishes rather than restores, Let’s Build Up is doing the hard, transformative work of believing in people — and giving them the tools to believe in themselves.
They’re not just helping women get jobs. They’re helping them reclaim their futures, build wealth, and become leaders in their communities.
Because at the end of the day, building up one woman can help rebuild an entire neighborhood.
