The goal of Power Inspires Progress (PIP), a non-profit employment education program, is to increase the power and independence of people through skill development, relationship building, collaboration, and interaction with other organizations. .

PIP was founded by Sr.'s Judy Tensing and Barbara Wheeler in order to provide an on-the-job training program for those who have difficulty obtaining and/or maintaining employment. Program trainees are inner-city residents who face barriers to employment such as transportation issues, lack of or poor work history, physical or learning disabilities, a past history of incarceration and/or addiction, and limited positive employment options. As participants in the PIP program, trainees receive paid training through the organizations two principle not-for-profit businesses, Venice on Vine Pizza and Venice Catering. While receiving training participants are expected to follow rules designed to prepare them for full-time employment including reporting to work on time, respecting co-workers and customers, and refraining from substance abuse. In addition, PIP empowers trainees to further their education by providing instruction in basic life skills.

After completing training, program participants are assisted with their job search and education activities by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers so that program participants can move to full-time employment with a living wage. For more information, please visit the PIP website.