Founded by Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA
At WFL CollectiveTM, we believe in second chances, breaking barriers, and helping people turn struggle into stability. Every day, we work alongside individuals who are determined to change their lives, and with your support, we help them do exactly that.
Our mission is simple: break down the economic and social barriers that hold people back, and create real, lasting paths to empowerment and stability. We partner with social service agencies, job training programs, grassroots leaders, employers, and government agencies to make sure every participant is truly “Ready-To-Work.” This includes help with transportation, professional attire, digital literacy, GED completion, and coordinated case management to address financial or logistical challenges.
Our approach focuses on reducing financial stress by connecting people to the services, support, and employment they need. This not only tackles immediate hardships but also gives participants the skills and resilience to achieve long-term economic stability and growth.
Take Kenniah, a lifelong resident of Northeast DC, who faced unimaginable challenges, including the tragic loss of her brother. Through PCC’s mentoring and career pathway programs, she found her footing, secured a job as an Event Coordinator, and within eight months, was promoted to Assistant Activities Director. Her journey inspired her mother to join our programs, proving that success can ripple through families. Before PCC, Kenniah was unemployed; today, she earns $24 an hour and is building a brighter future.
Lance’s story is one of quiet resilience. He left work to care for his wife’s mother and his own elderly mother, a responsibility that took a toll on his mental health. WFLC connected him to therapy services and a college IT course, giving him the tools to rebuild his confidence. After years of rejection, with multiple job applications to the same company, Lance finally secured a Security position, earning $22 an hour. His success is proof that mental health support and opportunity can change everything.
Carlos experienced an unexpected roadblock after being hired through PCC. His very first paycheck was drained in error by the child support office in his state, threatening to derail his progress. WFL stepped in to reimburse him and worked directly with the child support office to fix the issue and reinstate his license. With our support, Carlos saved enough to buy a car, maintained his job, and increased his pay to $20 an hour. His story shows how timely intervention can keep someone on the road to success.
Then there is Darryl, a returning citizen determined to rebuild his life. We connected him to a Vehicles for Change apprenticeship, supplementing his stipend so he could focus entirely on training. Today, Darryl works at Ford Motors, thriving in a career he is proud of, with his pay rising to $20 an hour. His success is a testament to the power of skills training and second chances.
Ashley’s story shows how career development can lead to leadership and efficiency. Once she became employed, she quickly took ownership of purchasing office snacks, impressing her supervisor with her economical approach that saved the company money. Her leadership skills grew as she began running social committee meetings, keeping them focused and inclusive. Ashley’s professional growth has been matched by her financial success, moving from $64,000 a year for 80-hour weeks before PCC to $67,000 for 40-hour weeks, and later earning $80,000+ annually. She is now a valued leader in her workplace.
See Ashley's Testimonial Here
The WFL Collective™ (WFLC) is a nonprofit that brings people and organizations together to remove barriers and open doors to opportunity. We follow the Collective Impact Model, which means we unite service providers—such as case managers, skills trainers, and barrier-removal specialists—into one coordinated network. Together, we work to solve complex social challenges and help individuals in low-income and under-resourced communities move toward the middle class and economic prosperity.
One of our key partners is Project Community Capital® (PCC), founded by Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA. PCC uses tools like the Employment Plug® app and Firm Advantage™ services to connect job seekers with employers and contractors who have socio-economic hiring goals. PCC also creates opportunities for small businesses to access projects and contracts. Dr. Merritt—who has led the development of over 8,000 housing units and managed $4.5 billion in real estate investments—guides WFLC and PCC with a focus on sustainable, scalable community development. WFLC’s work is guided by shared goals, measurable results, and open communication among partners. This structure supports referrals, training, and wrap-around services aimed at employment readiness and self-sufficiency.
So far, we have helped place more than 100 people into jobs and supported many more with training, resources, and counseling. Our work has been recognized with more than 20 awards, underscoring the impact we are making in the community. Success stories include Darryl, who went from incarceration to a Ford Motors apprenticeship and car ownership; Lamasia, who earned her GED and started an internship; and Carlos, who overcame debt to secure transportation and regain independence.
We’re not just helping people find jobs—we’re helping them build careers, gain independence, and strengthen their communities.
When you give to WFLC, you are not just making a donation. You are investing in real people with real potential. Your support provides training, mental health services, legal advocacy, and employment connections that change lives forever. Together, we can create more stories like these. Join us today and help write the next chapter of hope, opportunity, and lasting success.
YOUR DONATIONS:
$50 - Give someone a ride.
$75 - A month of transportation to work.
$150 - Professional Clothes for an Interview.
$500 - Get someone enrolled in a training program.
$800 - Get someone a construction job.
$1,250 - Foster a new support services partnership.
$2,500 - Get someone a permanent job
$10,000 - Get 10 residents labor jobs
$50,000 - Uplift an entire community