Dear FareStart Supporters,
As we close out 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the entire FareStart community. Our students, graduates, board members, volunteers, staff and supporters continually show what it means to care for one another and to believe in the power of opportunity. Because of you, FareStart remains in the fortunate position of being able to continue our vital work — even through challenging times — thanks to the combined strength of philanthropic support and income from our social enterprise businesses.
The coming year will require us all to draw on our resilience, dedication and shared sense of purpose. Cuts to federal funding are already affecting our students, and we are working diligently to offset those impacts and strengthen our financial foundation. As the broader federal landscape continues to shift and deepen challenges our students face, we remain steadfast in our values and committed to living them every day.
Many FareStart applicants experience food insecurity, rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits, and face physical or mental health challenges that must be addressed before they can begin job training. Too many also confront discrimination, bias and fear for their futures. We anticipate a growing need for support services and resources — and more people seeking our help. Those we serve are among the most vulnerable in our community, and we are determined to meet the moment by expanding opportunities for economic mobility and self-sufficiency.
I’m proud to share that we’ve made significant progress this year in both enrollment and job placement — moving steadily toward pre-pandemic levels. From August 2024 to August 2025, our overall program enrollment increased by 53%, and job placement rose by an impressive 150%.
Beyond these numbers, our graduates remind us every day why our work matters. Jennifer, one of our program alumni, shared: “If I didn’t have FareStart for a safe harbor to rebuild my life, I don’t know where I would be right now.”
Looking ahead, I’m eager to share FareStart’s nearly completed Three-Year Strategic Plan, which will be released early next year. Our dedicated board, staff and volunteers have done remarkable work balancing ambitious growth goals with our commitment to quality, impact and student success. In addition, our recent Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis reaffirms the power of this work: for every $1 invested in FareStart, approximately $4 is returned to society through increased wages, tax contributions, and reduced reliance on public resources and food assistance.
At a time when we all need community more than ever, FareStart’s doors remain open — offering hope, opportunity and connection.
Please continue to visit, engage and support our mission. We need — and will continue to need — every person, every gift, every voice.
Patrick D’Amelio, CEO
