Giving gifts to family and friends is a wonderful way to show that we care. You can make your gift giving experience even more meaningful by giving gifts that also help someone in need. We compiled a list of more than 50 social entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations throughout the US that employ individuals that are disabled, in need, or underserved to make and package a variety of goods for sale online. From candles to cookies and kitsch to couture, you will find the perfect gift for everyone on your list while empowering individuals and building strong communities.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
We’ve arranged our list in alphabetical order and by cause. We worked hard to make our list inclusive, but if you know of an organization that’s missing from our list please contact us. Some organizations spanned more than one category and we included them in both.
- Disabilities
- Formerly Incarcerated - Homeless and Low Income - Women in Need - Underserved and At-Risk Youth
ArtLifting
ArtLifting empowers artists living with homelessness or disabilities through the celebration and sale of their artwork. ArtLifting is about creating opportunity, empowerment, and validation. We offer our artists the chance to secure their own income through the sale of original paintings, prints, and products. By showcasing and selling artwork via ArtLifting.com, our artists gain self-confidence that permeates all aspects of their lives. www.artlifting.com
Aspire CoffeeWorks
Aspire CoffeeWorks offers craft-roasted coffees while opening new horizons for people with disabilities. We are a partnership between Metropolis Coffee Company, one of the nation's top artisan coffee roasters, and Aspire, a non-profit leader helping children and adults with disabilities. Each time you enjoy our coffee, know that your purchase is helping children and adults with disabilities. 100% of Aspire CoffeeWorks' net proceeds benefit Aspire's life-changing programs for people with disabilities. Our coffee is always roasted to order, then packaged and shipped directly to you. We sell coffee, sweet treats, gift baskets, mugs and more! www.aspirecoffeeworks.com
Autism Candles
Since 2006, the Autism Candles candle making project has advocated for inclusion and opportunity. Made by people with autism, each candle is hand labeled, hand poured and when purchased on Amazon each is packaged individually in a white box to easily gift wrap and includes tissue paper. Give the gift of richly scented soybean candle goodness, while supporting equal opportunity. www.autismcandles.com
Beneficial Beans
Beneficial Beans is a social enterprise business designed to engage young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in various aspects of the food and beverage industry. By combining technical training with on the job experiences, Beneficial Beans arms adults with autism with the skills to achieve personal and professional success. With a mission of training and employing adults with ASD, Beneficial Beans Café is an excellent venue to showcase the abilities, talent, and value of individuals with autism in our community. Products include coffee, on-the-go coffee sets, coffee and tea starter sets, granola and more! http://sarrc-store.myshopify.com/
Crafters for Life
Crafters For Life, LLC was started in the spring of 2015 based on a skills program in the high school class of the owners' son. The goal is to take the skills learned in high school and translate them into paying jobs while providing a constructive reason to leave the house after aging out of high school. We make a growing number of hand crafted items including coasters, key chains, scarfs and eye pillows. In addition to making the products, the young adults also go into the community to sell them which provides a level of socialization that is normally difficult to find. As demand for our products increases we can tap into the the list of individuals looking to get involved as well as expand to a growing number of adult day programs looking to partner with us to provide meaningful programming to their members. We wholesale to several retailers in the Philadelphia region and ship anywhere in the continental United States. www.craftersforlife.com
EV Gifts
We employ young men and women with autism and other developmental disabilities. EV Gifts are truly “Gifts That Give” as each high quality product sold directly employs adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. We seek to help bridge the gap between education and vocation by providing communication structures and manufacturing skills that emphasize the strengths of our unique employees. We sell handmade products including candles and soaps, many holiday-themed. www.gifts.evnc.org
Food for Good Thought
Formed in 2008, Food for Good Thought was founded by Dr. Audrey Todd. The whole concept came about while considering the probably limited future employment opportunities for her non-verbal son with autism. Food for Good Thought offers vocational and employment services to individuals on the autism spectrum primarily through The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) or the Medicaid Waiver. Our services are highly customized and tailored to fit the specific needs of the person served including customized employment, job development, career exploration, supported employment, summer programs and more. Products include a gluten-free cookbook, pizza crust mix, spices, body scrubs, soaps and dog biscuits. www.foodforgoodthought.com
Harry's Buttons at Easter Seals
HarrysButtons.com at Easter Seals improves the lives and futures of individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities by providing employment opportunities. Since the inception of HarrysButtons.com at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago, we have employed more than 100 individuals and have made more than 300,000 products for 500 businesses. Our team is integrated into all aspects of business operations and receives individualized training with customized support. Every product created at HarrysButtons.com at Easter Seals is an opportunity to achieve growth and independence. This team-oriented environment builds self-esteem and skill sets needed for future employment opportunities. Products include custom buttons, wine bottle charms, magnets and key chains, personalized pendants, bracelets and photo frames, greeting cards, invitations and more! www.harrysbuttons.com
Hattie's Café & Gifts
Hattie's Café & Gifts features fair trade coffees, fresh baked goods, chocolates, sandwiches and unique gifts. Gift baskets and corporate gifts are available online. Hattie's Café & Gifts is a Hattie Larlham work training program for adults with developmental disabilities. Your patronage provides a safe and educational environment where people with developmental disabilities learn valuable and rewarding career skills as they contribute to their community. www.hattielarlham.org/default.asp
Have Dreams and ILOVESWEETS
Have Dreams Academy provides on-the-job training in a real employment setting for young adults with autism. This training equips Academy participants with critical workplace skills to secure and retain competitive employment. Our extraordinary sweet treats make great teacher, hostess, or corporate gifts, while benefiting young adults with autism. Proceeds from each bakery treat purchased create workplace opportunities for young adults with autism at ILOVESWEETS commercial bakery. www.ilovesweets.com
In-Focus Project by CSAAC
Sometimes individuals with autism are better able to express themselves in photographs than in words. The In-Focus Project was developed so that individuals with autism with an interest in the arts could take photographs throughout the community and provide neurotypical viewers with a small window of what they see as important in their world. This program gives the participants the resources and supports that they need to become competent visual artists. The In-Focus Project photographers have a voice through these photos, and thereby, whether verbal and non-verbal, they each gain a chance to tell their stories in photographs. https://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51059/t/16088/shop/shop.jsp?storefront_KEY=41
Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm offers a wide variety of unique items sure to delight your recipient. Choose a gift from the heart that also gives back to the community. When you purchase a gift from Lambs Farm, not only will your recipient delight in your thoughtfulness, you will also provide valuable support for our many programs. Participants demonstrate their accomplishments through the quality of products here – handmade with care by the people of Lambs Farm. These products are perfect for corporate or client gifts, and ordering is easy! Friendly customer service representatives, all employees of Lambs Farm, offer personalized service to every individual. www.lambsfarm.org
Noteworthy Cards by Anderson Center for AutismThese unique cards are created and assembled by students in Anderson Center for Autism’s art and vocational programs. Proceeds from the sale of Noteworthy cards directly support these vital student programs at Anderson Center for Autism. www.andersoncenterforautism.org/product-category/noteworthy-cards/
Miami Is Kind
We employ professionals with Autism/disABILITIES while creating delicious traditional treats. Our first product line are gluten free, deliciously healthy gourmet artisan macaroons. We started in October 2015 hiring two bakers educated in Bakery & Pastry Arts, we hired 2 additional bakers in December 2015 and a fifth baker in Feb 2016. Miami Is Kind demonstrates that with adequate instruction, a properly structured workplace, and a solid business background - like the one I have - persons with Autism/disABILITIES excel at a workplace and make the companies they work for profitable. www.miamiiskind.org
Our Coffee With A Cause
By purchasing Our Coffee with a Cause you will be giving young adults with disabilities an opportunity for gainful employment. These young adults will be applying the label on to the bag of coffee, packaging, shipping and delivering the product. While more advanced young adults will be able to work with an assistant selling coffee using our custom designed iPad app. With multiple flavors of roasted coffee, we’re sure you’ll find something to love. We offer drinking mugs, as well as fresh espresso coffee beans that you can order as well. If you’re a single serve coffee drinker, we also carry multiple flavors of K-Cups Coffee. We also offer a coffee subscription, that allows you to choose from roasted coffee flavors and accessories monthly. www.ourcoffeewithacause.net
Paper Clouds Apparel
Paper Clouds Apparel was formed to showcase the creative minds and artistic abilities of individuals with special needs while raising funds to provide financial support for special needs schools and organizations. We achieve this goal by selling t-shirts, hats and totes featuring artwork designed by individuals with special needs. Paper Clouds Apparel also hires individuals with special needs to package all of our sensory-friendly clothing. Fifty percent of the net proceeds from the sale of all merchandise is given to the cause we are promoting in each campaign. Choose the art, create your shirt and change a life! www.papercloudsapparel.com
Presents of Mind
Presents of Mind is a luxuriously appointed gift shop filled with trendy, classic, and humorous gifts, gourmet foods, local art, and exotic teas. Presents of Mind is owned and operated by Community Options Enterprises Inc., a non-profit organization that provides employment supports to people with disabilities. Our retail associates, looking to gain valuable career experience in retail and store management, have the opportunity to learn point of sale software, soft-selling and customer relations skills, retrieving and processing of orders received through our website, inventory management, store layout and design, and different forms of presentation and display. Our store focuses on meeting the demands that our customers deserve. www.presentsofmind.org
Reid's Gift
Reid's Gift, Inc. is dedicated to creating and maintaining high quality lives for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our entrepreneurs design, create, and sell one-of-a-kind hand-dyed silk scarves and more on Etsy. Each artist personally earns all proceeds from the sale of their products, thus learning creative, business, and money management skills in the process. Their scarves have been described as "gorgeous" with "beautiful detail." www.etsy.com/shop/ReidsGift
ScentsAbility
ScentsAbility is an organization that helps individuals with special needs learn job skills and be independent. Our mission is to teach them how to punch in/out for their shift, how to use a cash register, stock shelves, alphabetize, count money, and how to use a computer to ring up a sale. Building a better future for individuals with special needs! We make amazing custom soy candles for ambiance in the home, baby showers, wedding gifts, or as party favors. Or use the mini-tin with custom logo as a calling card for your company or organization. "Lighting the Path to Independence One Candle at a Time!" www.scentsability.org
SEEDs for Autism
SEEDs For Autism was founded to fill the overwhelming need for a comprehensive program within the adult autism community that focuses on building self-esteem, social skills, and training towards meaningful employment. Our mission is to nurture and grow the spirits and skill of our clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders through education and job training that promotes work ethic, pride and success in an environment that is tailored to the client’s individual needs and comfort. Students at SEEDs are always creating new and interesting products which will be purchasable here as they become available. All proceeds are reinvested back into the programs to continue our ultimate goal of providing autistic students with the best possible opportunity to succeed. We sell jewelry, home and garden products, pet products and more! www.seedsforautism.org
SpecialTees
The mission of Special Tees is to provide training and employment to traditionally “unemployable” individuals and to operate a growing business dedicated to securing employment through training in a controlled, secure environment that understands the difficulties of daily functioning with a mental illness and/or developmental disability. Every penny earned over cost goes back into our program to better serve the mentally and developmentally disabled. Services include screen printing (both silk screening and digital printing), embroidery, tackle twill and ink sublimation. We can print and embroider anything and fill all of your merchandise needs…staff recognition, corporate promotions, team or company uniforms, giveaways and advertising items. Products include tee shirts, tanks, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, towels, socks, bags, hats, jerseys and more! www.specialteessi.com
Spectrum Designs
The mission of Spectrum Designs is to provide gainful employment and meaningful work opportunities to individuals with autism within a social enterprise in an effort to assist them in leading fuller and more independent and productive lives. Spectrum is the ideal place for teenagers and young adults with autism to address possible employment barriers for the future. Our on-site educational staff make it, "The Hidden Gem of Vocational Programs." Spectrum Designs Foundation is a fully functioning apparel customization shop. We use DTG (Direct to Garment), Screen Printing, Embroidery all in our specialized print shop in Port Washington. We help you leave a personalized and lasting impression, while your purchase is making a difference in the lives of people with autism. How cool is that? We can print anything... You Think it, We Ink it! www.spectrumdesigns.org
Spectrum Works
Spectrum Works is an innovative social enterprise employment model born out of the idea that everyone deserves an opportunity to have a productive, fulfilling life. The vision of its co-founder Ann Marie Sullivan is to use employment to empower individuals with autism with the confidence and the skills needed to achieve a sense of independence, purpose and pride. Ultimately, the goal of Spectrum Works goes beyond paychecks and sustainability, it’s about raising awareness that individuals with autism can work and contribute to society. Give us an opportunity to create great products for your company. Your purchase will not only help support jobs for individuals with autism…it will change lives! We do screen printing, embroidery, promotional products and we have thousands of items to choose from. All profits generated by Spectrum Works are used to fund its job training and employment programs for individuals with autism. www.spectrumworks.org
St. Coletta Shops
St. Coletta of Greater Washington is a nonsectarian, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities through educational programs. We believe in the immeasurable value of the human spirit and provide an environment that encourages talents, celebrates successes and builds self-esteem. St. Coletta Shops are retail stores attached to programs for adults with intellectual disabilities at St. Coletta of Greater Washington. All items are handmade by our students and adult participants and 100% of the proceeds benefit our programs. Working gives program participants the opportunity to take pride in what they make, practice retail skills and be empowered by daily community integration. www.stcolettashops.com
The Chocolate Spectrum
We are a family owned and operated artisan chocolate company. Our purpose is to offer delicious chocolate confections while also helping individuals with developmental disabilities. We accomplish this two ways: By providing individuals with developmental disabilities training opportunities and by donating a portion from each item sold to various charities. When you purchase a box of our wonderful chocolates, we will send a donation to one of several different charities that we have selected. www.thechocolatespectrum.com
Waggies by Maggie & Friends
Waggies by Maggie & Friends is a non-profit dog treat company whose mission is to employ persons with intellectual disabilities. Our all-natural, vet-approved treats are made with the finest ingredients and contain no preservatives. We are a unique business that brings employees and volunteers together for the daily operation of producing dog treats. Being part of the Waggies team empowers our employees to be successful in their work and active members of the community. A purchase of Waggies rewards your dog while supporting employment for members of the community who want to be part of the workforce. It’s a winning combination! www.waggies.org
Wags in a Bag
Wags in a Bag is dedicated to enhance the lives of our employees with brain injuries, cognitive and developmental disabilities while creating and servicing some of the best handmade, all natural dog treats available. We are committed to serve and support the needs of St. Louis area families whose loved ones needs opportunities to live their lives to the fullest. When you purchase our dog treats, the proceeds will help rehabilitate, train, and employ talented and hardworking individuals. www.wagsinabag.com
[words] Bookstore
[words]‘ mission is to serve Maplewood and surrounding communities by offering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for people and families of all stripes to pursue their literary interests. In particular, we are dedicated to the families in our community that have a member with a developmental disability. We strive to help Maplewood become a model community of inclusion through our treatment of disabled customers and employees, especially those with autism. www.wordsbookstore.com
Yard Work and More
The mission of “Yard” Work & More is to promote employment, leisure, social, recreation and housing opportunities to our members and other individuals in our community who have developmental disabilities. We fundraise to create inclusive opportunities in our local community by planning and funding classes for young adults to take at no cost to them or their families. We work to enhance the quality of life for our members by creating inclusive opportunities in the areas of employment, small group recreation, social and community events. We hand make items including a candle line, cards, gift bags, key chains, jewelry, soaps, body scrubs, birdhouses, potpourri bags, scarves, homemade candy and more! www.etsy.com/shop/YardWorkAndMore
beelove by Sweet Beginnings
Sweet Beginnings, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the North Lawndale Employment Network and offers full-time transitional jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals and others with significant barriers to employment in a green industry. Sweet Beginnings, LLC produces the beelove™ family of products, an all natural line of raw honey and honey-infused body care products. www.beelovebuzz.com
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community. Every purchase helps Homeboy Industries carry out its mission to bring hope to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women through community, free services, and job training in social enterprises. Shop online for foods, books and media, apparel, home and office, bags, and more. www.homeboyindustries.org
Lazlo
We’ve set up shop in Detroit, where we’re hiring men who were trained to sew in prison and paying them a living wage. We use the best materials available to make products that we want to wear every day, and we’re building them to last. We aren’t doing it alone: from partnering with the Michigan Department of Corrections on hiring, to developing fabrics with a mill in LA that shares our commitment to quality, it’s a team effort. In short, we’re doing our best to build a company that we all can feel excited to be a part of. We’ve tried to keep business simple. Invest in your employees, invest in your community and make products you feel great about. Some companies see this as a burden. We see it as an opportunity. www.lazlo.co
Road Twenty-Two
The story behind our clothes feels every bit as good as our fabrics. We employ women who need a chance, who were formerly incarcerated and are on the road to a better life. Made entirely in the USA, our clothes prove that style and social conscience can walk hand in hand. Road Twenty-Two is named for the road leading out of the Central California Women’s Correctional Facility, the largest women’s correctional facility in the world. Women are released with $200 in their pockets, hardly enough to put them anywhere but back on the streets. That’s where we can help. www.roadtwentytwo.com
ArtLifting
ArtLifting empowers artists living with homelessness or disabilities through the celebration and sale of their artwork. ArtLifting is about creating opportunity, empowerment, and validation. We offer our artists the chance to secure their own income through the sale of original paintings, prints, and products. By showcasing and selling artwork via ArtLifting.com, our artists gain self-confidence that permeates all aspects of their lives. www.artlifting.com
Bonfolk
In 2015, Bonfolk was created with the idea that for every pair of socks sold, one would be donated to a shelter, charity or person in need. Bonfolk's founder is a born and bred New Orleanian that is very passionate about her hometown. We kicked it off in the Crescent City, designing socks representative of Louisiana and have now donated over 20,000 pairs in the state. In 2019, our goal is to design socks symbolic of every state in the USA and to be able to donate across the entire nation. www.bonfolk.com
EarthLinks
The EarthLinks Workshop is a micro-enterprise program where participants who are homeless and low-income do organic gardening and create Earth-friendly products, and are paid an hourly stipend for their work. Participants work weekly in our Peace Garden and craft workshop, and set and work toward achieving personal goals, such as acquiring housing, staying in recovery, pursuing education, or working on personal relationships. In 2014, 70 individuals participated in the Workshop Program, earning a modest monthly paycheck to help pay for housing, groceries, transportation, medical care, or other personal needs. www.earthlinks-colorado.org/programs/earthlinks-workshop
Faces of Santa Ana
Faces of Santa Ana was founded by Brian Peterson, an artist from Miami, Florida currently working as a car designer for Kia Motors in Irvine, CA. Faces of Santa Ana is a passion project where we set out to befriend and paint portraits of the homeless community in Santa Ana, CA. We then sell the artwork and use proceeds to help in rehabilitating our newfound friends. The mission of Faces of Santa Ana is to locally help those in need in cities around the world while also inspiring and activating creatives and supporters of the movement. We believe that the creativity we’ve been given is meant for the outward pouring of love. www.facesofsantaana.com
Greyston Bakery
The country’s leading social enterprise since 1982, Greyston provides individuals in Southwest Yonkers, NY with employment skills and resources to lift them out of poverty. Greyston’s unique combination of Open Hiring™ at the world famous Greyston Bakery, Pathmaking and other social services offer a roadmap to assist individuals and families in visualizing their paths to self-sufficiency. Our mindfully-rooted philosophy fuels a commitment to human growth and potential and addresses some of the most challenging problems facing our country today. www.greyston.com
HEAL Homeless Empowerment through Art & Leadership
HEAL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for creative self-expression and personal growth for the homeless community of San Diego. Our Mobile Art Studio is a new, unique approach to achieve our vision. We carry out our mission to empower homeless youth and adults by cultivating values of creativity, work ethic, and leadership in a safe, inclusive space. The price you pay for the art goes directly to the artist who created it. By making a purchase in HEAL’s store, you are not only buying a piece of beautiful artwork. You are providing an empowering stepping stone towards self-sufficiency. www.etsy.com/shop/HEALSanDiego
Homeless Garden Project
GIFTS of love...featuring products made in our training program from herbs and flowers grown at our organic farm. A wide selection of Birch hearts, Soaps, Lavender Bath Salts, Chocolate, Candles, Wreaths and more! The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are homeless. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises. www.homelessgardenproject.org
MADE by DWC
MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to break the cycles of chronic homelessness and unemployment. By empowering women to discover talents and develop skills through vocational opportunities, MADE by DWC generates economic and social capital to support programs at DWC and create opportunities for women to overcome barriers to employment. handMADE is our signature line of unique gifts items created in collaboration between DWC program participants and community artists. Our product design workshops equip women with social and vocational skills in a supportive environment where women rebuild self-esteem, discover talents, and develop skills. By purchasing our handmade products, you contribute to breaking the cycles of chronic unemployment and homelessness for women in the Skid Row community. 100% of proceeds support Downtown Women’s Center programs and services. www.madebydwc.org
Mitscoots Outfitters
While volunteering along the streets of Austin, Texas circa 2008, we discovered that right after food and water, there was no greater request among the less fortunate than for a clean pair of socks and some quality gear. So, for every item purchased, we give an equal quality item to someone in need and take pride in employing the transitioning homeless to get each and every style packaged up and ready to go. With every piece of American made gear you purchase, Mitscoots will give an equal quality item to someone in need and employ the transitioning homeless to package things up. Mitscoots makes gear with a mission: get + give + employ. www.mitscoots.com
Project Home
The mission of the Project HOME community is to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society. Support Project HOME's social enterprise work opportunities with a purchase from the HOME Shop. Last year, 40 residents earned income making HOME Made gifts with volunteer facilitators, 8 residents gained food service training while working to create "Sister Mary's Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce," and two residents worked in administrative and sales roles supporting the HOME Shop. Join us today by buying items from our shop. www.projecthome.org/store
MyNew Orleans Photo Project
The MyNew Orleans Photo Project was started in 2016 to lift the voices of those affected by homelessness in New Orleans. Now in our second year, the Project again distributed 100 Fujifilm single-use cameras to people affected by homelessness and asked them to show the city from their unique perspectives. Participants used the cameras to document their own lives and scenes from the city of New Orleans, and submitted hundreds of beautiful and thought-provoking photos. The MyNew Orleans Calendar features 14 photos printed on high gloss paper, captured by MyNew Orleans Photo Project participants. Each photo is accompanied by its creator's personal story. www.etsy.com/listing/568270525/2018-mynew-orleans-calendar
Rebel Nell
Rebel Nell was started with the sole purpose of employing, educating and empowering disadvantaged women in Detroit. We make jewelry from unique local materials, while providing a transitional opportunity for women in Detroit. Our goal is to help these women move from a life of dependence to one of self-reliance, overcoming barriers to employment through the fruits of their own labor. Working directly with local shelters, we identify women who are ready to make this transition to a new phase in their lives. Our primary goal at Rebel Nell is to restore the confidence in the women we hire. In addition to employment, we provide financial literacy, business education and a focus on life wellness to help them successfully transition to an independent life. www.rebelnell.com
re:loom
re:loom is a program of Initiative for Affordable Housing (IAH), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Decatur, Georgia. Founded in 1990 with one home and one homeless family, IAH’s mission is to provide permanent, affordable housing to homeless and low-income families in metro Atlanta. Our rigorous, holistic social services program empowers individuals to reach personal goals and achieve independence. re:loom grew naturally from our work with adults who struggled to secure and maintain jobs. We help individuals address obstacles to employment through paid on-site job training and leadership opportunities. Weavers design and produce handmade products and lead a team of weavehouse volunteers. With a stable salary, 100% healthcare coverage, and opportunities to engage in the operation of the weavehouse, employees gain a financial foundation, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose and accomplishment. With your help, re:loom will continue to support the IAH team in growing our positive impact on homelessness in Atlanta. www.reloom.org
Street Gems Arizona
Street Gems Arizona is a Social Enterprise That Offers Recycled, Wearable Art and Whimsical Gifts Made by Individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. “Unlocking the innate potential in individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness to instill the confidence to build a sustainable, independent life through simple acts of creative and productive art making.” www.etsy.com/shop/StreetGemsArizona
Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie's Place
Rosie's Place was founded in 1974 as the first women’s shelter in the United States. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. The artisans of the Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie’s Place create gorgeous hand-crafted items. This successful social enterprise, established in 1996, hires Rosie’s Place guests to craft unique gifts and jewelry of all types. Proceeds from the sales support our vital programs and services for poor and homeless women at Rosie's Place while providing job skills and employment experience for our artisans. The WCC product line began with our signature button brooch and has expanded over the years to respond to evolving styles and to fulfill orders from J. Jill, Frugal Fannie's and other retail stores, national catalogs and websites. www.rosiesplace.org
The Giving Keys
This story begins with a New York hotel room key. Actress and singer/songwriter, Caitlin Crosby, started wearing the hotel key as a necklace while on tour and had the idea to start engraving old, used keys with inspirational words. Realizing that, in a way, we are all like these keys – unique, flawed, scarred, and sometimes discarded by others – she wanted these keys to have their purpose renewed over and over again. Embrace your word, then pass it on to a person you feel needs the message more than you. We employ those transitioning out of homelessness. www.thegivingkeys.com
Women's Bean Project
Women’s Bean Project believes all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. So we hire women who have been chronically unemployed and teach them to work by creating nourishing products. They learn to stand tall, find their purpose and end the cycle of poverty. Because when you change a mother’s life, you change her family’s life. Products include a variety of food and beverages, limited edition handmade jewelry, novelties, gift baskets, and more. www.womensbeanproject.com
Bright Endeavors
Every candle at Bright Endeavors is about creating powerful moments. These are the moments when everything changes for a young mom. They awaken her self-worth, dreams, potential, and goals. They are the instant a young mom realizes that she has the power to write her story and open doors for her child. And no one can stop her. By investing in young moms with Bright Endeavors, you can touch the lives of two generations at once: the emerging life of a young mom and the unwritten story of her child. We invite you to light the way with us and make these moments possible. www.brightendeavors.org
MADE by DWC
MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to break the cycles of chronic homelessness and unemployment. By empowering women to discover talents and develop skills through vocational opportunities, MADE by DWC generates economic and social capital to support programs at DWC and create opportunities for women to overcome barriers to employment. handMADE is our signature line of unique gifts items created in collaboration between DWC program participants and community artists. Our product design workshops equip women with social and vocational skills in a supportive environment where women rebuild self-esteem, discover talents, and develop skills. By purchasing our handmade products, you contribute to breaking the cycles of chronic unemployment and homelessness for women in the Skid Row community. 100% of proceeds support Downtown Women’s Center programs and services. www.madebydwc.org
Rebel Nell
Rebel Nell was started with the sole purpose of employing, educating and empowering disadvantaged women in Detroit. We make jewelry from unique local materials, while providing a transitional opportunity for women in Detroit. Our goal is to help these women move from a life of dependence to one of self-reliance, overcoming barriers to employment through the fruits of their own labor. Working directly with local shelters, we identify women who are ready to make this transition to a new phase in their lives. Our primary goal at Rebel Nell is to restore the confidence in the women we hire. In addition to employment, we provide financial literacy, business education and a focus on life wellness to help them successfully transition to an independent life. www.rebelnell.com
Road Twenty-Two
The story behind our clothes feels every bit as good as our fabrics. We employ women who need a chance, who were formerly incarcerated and are on the road to a better life. Made entirely in the USA, our clothes prove that style and social conscience can walk hand in hand. Road Twenty-Two is named for the road leading out of the Central California Women’s Correctional Facility, the largest women’s correctional facility in the world. Women are released with $200 in their pockets, hardly enough to put them anywhere but back on the streets. That’s where we can help. www.roadtwentytwo.com
Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie's Place
Rosie's Place was founded in 1974 as the first women’s shelter in the United States. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. The artisans of the Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie’s Place create gorgeous hand-crafted items. This successful social enterprise, established in 1996, hires Rosie’s Place guests to craft unique gifts and jewelry of all types. Proceeds from the sales support our vital programs and services for poor and homeless women at Rosie's Place while providing job skills and employment experience for our artisans. The WCC product line began with our signature button brooch and has expanded over the years to respond to evolving styles and to fulfill orders from J. Jill, Frugal Fannie's and other retail stores, national catalogs and websites. www.rosiesplace.org
Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms is a powerful global community of women healing from prostitution, trafficking and addiction. We employ 50 survivors through our social enterprises: Thistle Farms Home & Body, Thistle Stop Cafe, and an Artisan Studio. Thistle Farms Global helps employ more than 1,500 women. Our national network welcomes more than 30 sister organizations. Started in 1997 by Rev. Becca Stevens under the name Magdalene, Thistle Farms includes a two-year residential program and advocacy services for hundreds of women yearly. We provide education and training through speaking events and immersion workshops. Thistle Farms stands for the truth that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. Join the movement for women's freedom. www.thistlefarms.org
Together We Bake
Founded in 2012, Together We Bake is an empowerment based job training program for women in need of a second chance within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Together We Bake’s mission is to provide a comprehensive workforce training and personal development program to help women gain self-confidence, transferable workforce skills, and invaluable hands-on experience which will allow them to find sustainable employment and move toward self-sufficiency. Together We Bake makes cookies, granola, dried fruit, and more. www.shop.togetherwebake.org
Women's Bean Project
Women’s Bean Project believes all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. So we hire women who have been chronically unemployed and teach them to work by creating nourishing products. They learn to stand tall, find their purpose and end the cycle of poverty. Because when you change a mother’s life, you change her family’s life. Products include a variety of food and beverages, limited edition handmade jewelry, novelties, gift baskets, and more. www.womensbeanproject.com
Bright Endeavors
Every candle at Bright Endeavors is about creating powerful moments. These are the moments when everything changes for a young mom. They awaken her self-worth, dreams, potential, and goals. They are the instant a young mom realizes that she has the power to write her story and open doors for her child. And no one can stop her. By investing in young moms with Bright Endeavors, you can touch the lives of two generations at once: the emerging life of a young mom and the unwritten story of her child. We invite you to light the way with us and make these moments possible. www.brightendeavors.org
Marwen
Marwen educates and inspires under-served young people through the visual arts. Marwen achieves its mission by providing free visual arts classes to under-served Chicago youth in 6 - 12 grades. Marwen also provides free college and career counseling to high school students and their families who are interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts or wish to continue their education beyond high school. In addition to everyday greeting cards, every year, Marwen hires a group of exceptionally talented high school students to design greeting and holiday cards. This unique initiative strengthens students’ art-making abilities and exposes them to tangible business skills that can be applied to future professions in the arts. All proceeds benefit Marwen’s free visual art programs for under-served young people. www.marwen.org
Ruckus Entrepreneurs
Ruckus Entrepreneurs is a program of Concordia Place that focuses on preparing tomorrow's leaders. Since 2010, the program has employed and trained hundreds of Chicago area teens. Ruckus integrates a social mission of developing environmentally-conscious teen leaders, who are agents of positive change in their community, with a socially-conscious business venture. Our teen-run enterprise provides innovative entrepreneurial training and internship opportunities, through the development and distribution of teen-made body care products, such as soaps, shea balms, deodorants and lip balms. With support from grants and private gifts, we provide over 75 paid teen internships throughout the year. With every item you purchase, we donate a product to an organization serving those in need. www.ruckusteens.org
Yollocalli Arts Reach
Yollocalli Arts Reach is the award-winning youth initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art, we offer FREE arts and culture programming to teens and young adults. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, we serve as an open community center with studio spaces, computer lab, radio production studio, a large art library, and a creative, supportive staff and teaching artists who are always around to help, encourage, and inspire. We aim to strengthen the students’ creative and cultural capital by engaging them with their own cultural discourses through art making. www.yollocalli.org
These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Root Down Acres, LLC of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Root Down Acres, LLC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
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