THE BOOK
Tamra Ryan is CEO of Women's Bean Project, a nonprofit social enterprise designed to teach women the job readiness and life skills necessary to get and keep employment for the first time in their lives and to move toward self-sufficiency. The women accepted by Women’s Bean Project are, by definition, in the midst of transformative change. But as Ryan reveals, that change is never easy. There are countless social, cultural and environmental factors that conspire to hold these women back.
This morning, I finished reading your book. It is superb! It's engaging, well organized, and well written. I thought I knew a lot about the Bean Project, but I learned so much more from your book. You really make the people and the challenges come alive. Your work is incredibly valuable and important. Congratulations on writing an outstanding book and thank you for all that you do. – David
THE THIRD LAW
ISBN-978-0-9899 190-1-2
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In The Third Law, you’ll meet Megan who was eleven years old when her older sister sold her to a man for crack. You’ll be introduced to Janine who struggles to keep her four children fed when her food stamp assistance is cut because her $8/hour job pays too much. You’ll walk through a day in community corrections with Samantha, who is free, but not free because of the many arduous restrictions placed upon her. As author Tamra Ryan points out: these and many other women like them are not the sum of their addictions, crimes or poor judgment. Instead, most are victims—of poverty, abuse and neglect—who have been further victimized by drug sentencing laws, cultural prejudices and the human services system designed to protect them.
It doesn't have to be that way.
According to Newton’s third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The Third Law shows us that even as women work to change their lives there are forces pushing back on that change, societal obstacles that must be overcome and internal demons that must be squelched. It explores what is required for chronically unemployed and impoverished women to create new lives for themselves. Most of all, the book argues for a more compassionate view of recovering addicts, convicted felons, and victims of domestic abuse. Sometimes, believing in another person’s potential is all it takes for lasting change.
Gold Medal - Women/Minorities in Business: Axiom Book Award 2015
Gold Medal - Social Activism/Charity: Living Now Award 2015
Finalist - Social Change: USA Best Book Awards 2015
Winner - Social Change: Book Excellence Awards 2016
Winner - Women's Issues: Independent Press Award, 2017
Winner - Women's Issues: NYC Big Book Award, 2017