W.O.R.K.S. - Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge & Services

About Us

Our Story

Women Organizing Resources Knowledge and Services (WORKS) was formed in April 1998 by women with extensive experience working in low-income communities of Los Angeles in the field of affordable housing and community building. Committed to strong, sustainable communities, we combined our years of experience in pioneering pragmatic and innovative models for affordable housing and enriched social service programs to advance family and individual viability.

Mission Statement

WORKS passionately delivers quality affordable housing and innovative enriched services. Through our support and stewardship, we build equitable, heart-based sustainable communities and encourage resident self-determination. We envision community in a way that honors our collective cultures.

Physical Design Opportunities

Opportunities exist in the physical design of our properties to benefit low-income renters and owners by including energy efficient technologies that lower living costs for residents; by making the landscaping serve as a source of food and medicinal herbs both through offering community garden plots and by selecting plants that are edible or used for home remedies; and by creating community centers that act as both a site for educational and enrichment programs as well as for building a sense of community and facilitating tenant activism within the larger community to improve the conditions of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Program Development Opportunities

Opportunities exist for developing programs and resident leadership that can enhance the work skills and knowledge of the residents – both adults and children – and help the community serve as a springboard for motivated residents to improve their economic and social stability. Too often, family and work obligations make it impossible for lower income householders either to go to offsite educational or training facilities or programs or to transport their children to offsite enrichment programs. Bringing those programs on site dramatically improves the ability of economically marginal families to participate on a consistent basis in the programs that will help them achieve their goals.

Technology Opportunities

Finally, opportunities exist for using technology to reduce the isolation and expand the reach of lower-income families through access and exposure to the resources of the internet, through online communication with other groups, and through online communication with people and organizations in different areas with different experiences and different points of view.