| About Esperanza Threads |
Esperanza Threads is a non-profit that trains low-income individuals in industrial sewing in Cleveland, Ohio. Esperanza Threads sustains itself through three main areas of fundraising: manufacturing, grants and contributions. Manufacturing is for two purposes: production and distribution of organic and sustainable clothing. Production is done: · For Esperanza Threads items · For wholesale in stores · For third party private label Distribution is done: · For Esperanza Threads to retail its own products o In store o Online o Farmers’ Markets o Churches o Shows · For wholesale to stores Esperanza Threads is collaborating with The Catholic Charities Migrant Services and Asian Services in Action, Inc. to train immigrant refugees who have been brought to Cleveland from refugees camps. These people have suffered violence and religious and ethnic persecution. For some, their whole lives have been spent in the camps before coming to Northeast Ohio. The population we are training now are the Karen from Burma and the Nepalese from Bhutan. Training begins with basic sewing methods in collaboration with Kathy Zagar at Kathy's Creative Sewing Shop in Lakewood, Ohio. Once individuals are certified for basic sewing, they become the core of the classes for learning industrial sewing.
Esperanza Threads [ET] recently moved to its new location in Cleveland. This move has made it possible to be in the neighborhood of the immigrants it wishes to serve. ET moved May 7, 2011 and the very next week began training its first trainee Aita. One month later Mon joined the program. Currently Esperanza Threads is seeking sponsors to purchase machines for training on the lower level of the building where individuals can be trained for other businesses that are seeking sewing workers. Increasing the potential for training more of the immigrants refugees will arise with more retail and wholesale orders for ET. Volunteer internships skilled in marketing and social media would help greatly in this area. Volunteers are also needed with sales at markets, churches and shows. For those wishing to volunteer, please contact: Esperanza Threads |
