2 0 2 0 I M P A C T R E P O R T
2 0 2 0 I M P A C T R E P O R T
2 0 2 0 I M P A C T R E P O R T
A
Note from Executive Director, Beth Bell
YOU made a tremendous impact in 2020, even amidst the unforeseen challenges caused by COVID-19 The pandemic hit the underserved in our community to alarming degrees, and the women served by Fashion & Compassion faced hardships beyond our imagination But your support enabled these amazing women to achieve their dreams, giving them hope even while the future felt so uncertain.
We are excited to share our 2020 Impact Report, which highlights the challenges that our Artisans and organization have faced, and the ways that you responded to bring about true transformation. Collaboration and diversity have always been essential to our model, and COVID-19 showed us the many benefits of our coming together as a community to serve the most vulnerable I am so proud that our Board leadership has grown in diversity, now 85% female and 25% people of color. In the pages that follow, you'll see the diversity in the women we serve, as well as many collaborative initiatives that you helped launch in 2020.
God has used YOU to position Fashion & Compassion to serve even more women as we move into a post-pandemic world. We are forever grateful!
Thank you and God bless,
Beth
MISSION & MODEL
Fashion & Compassion envisions communities where formerly vulnerable women live abundant, purposeful lives We are a 501c3 nonprofit serving women overcoming trafficking, abuse, addiction, incarceration, poverty and persecution.
Our mission is to create empowerment communities where vulnerable women connect with God, one another and resources as their lives are transformed. In addition to purposeful work, Artisans set goals around education, housing, employment, financial stability, ESL, emotional health and more. We serve with an inclusive Christ-centered approach regardless of national origin, religion, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Based in Charlotte, NC, we empower women in the US, Africa and South and Central America.
The Artisan Empowerment Journey
Artisans are referred through partner agencies
Purposeful work with a living wage
Self-esteem grows in encouraging community Goals identified
Lead + Advanced Artisans employed
100% OF OUR ARTISANS HAVE FACED AT LEAST ONE OF THESE CHALLENGES DURING
Housing, employment & financial instability
Health issues & limited access to healthcare
Re-entry of trauma & isolation Food insecurity
- Revised Goal attainment metrics
- Professional Development Track - Employment opportunities thru sewing initiative
- Increased financial assistance referrals - Made vast healthcare details understandable - Deepened Smith Family Wellness partnership
-Access to mobile health clinics - Virtual and inperson programming
- Self-care and wellness programming - Stayed connected via virtual platforms - Increased healthcare referrals - 4 Alumni events fostering community - Increased food agency referrals - Loaves and Fishes certified partner - Provided weekly meals
74 ARTISANS SERVED LOCALLY.
3,500 HOURS OF EMPOWERMENT PROVIDED.
48 COMMUNITY PARTNER AGENCIES
85%
ARTISANS REACHED/ MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARDS THEIR GOALS.
470
OUTBOUND REFERRALS FROM CHARLOTTE WORKS, DRESS FOR SUCCESS, UNITED WAY & MORE.
400+
FAMILIES EMPOWERED GLOBALLY THROUGH ECONOMIC MOBILITY.
Who We Served Locally
ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT Sherry's Story
Sherry was born in Charlotte to a mother facing addictions Molested as a child and raped twice in her teens, Sherry’s innocence was stripped from her Sherry became angry as her rapist moved on with his life, entering the military and getting married She wondered why he was allowed to move on and lead a successful life, when she was stuck, victimized by his actions Sherry spiraled into alcoholism, drinking to escape her trauma
Ultimately, she entered the Dove’s Nest program where she heard about Fashion & Compassion Sherry loved learning to make the jewelry! She says her time with Fashion & Compassion was “ awesome ” .
“The conversations we had while making the jewelry were life-changing. I learned that it’s not about the jewelry, that the jewelry is a vehicle for change. Learning a new skill gave me confidence.” Sherry goes on to say, “when I left Dove’s Nest, I needed to figure out how to re-enter the world. I wondered who would take care of me once I’m outside of these doors?”
“When I came to Fashion & Compassion, I felt loved. When I walked in the door these women embraced me. I learned strength - I see all these ladies with different backgrounds - we are all striving to do better - we ’ ve all overcome something, and that strength makes me want to push forward. Just sharing what I’ve been through it helped the next lady, and when I heard others share it made me want to do better.”
Sherry suffered from PTSD from her molestation and rape, but Fashion & Compassion helped with the next steps to get Sherry back into society “Fashion & Compassion helped me get back into my life ”
Thanks to your support, Sherry has excelled in the Fashion & Compassion program, meeting all of her goals including passing the GED, securing stable housing, spending more time with her kids, and achieving financial stability Sherry is now working not one job, but two, and is able to work remotely in her dream job of customer service
Your support of Fashion & Compassion has allowed Sherry to realize her dreams and have hope for a brighter future She is empowered and has the relationships and support to carry her through life
Thank you for your support of Sherry and so many women overcoming trauma and vulnerabilities in Charlotte and beyond!
2020 FINANCIAL IMPACT
COVID-19 impacted discretionary spending, particularly in fashion and accessories. The lack of events made marketplaces difficult to host. Yet, our team was creative in finding new initiatives that would lead to purposeful work for our Artisans, preparing us for growth post-pandemic
I can't imagine my life without this program! The beauty and dignity given to us through Fashion & Compassion Artisan program is empowering and will change your life. The power of this community has helped me to know that I am enough, instead of trying to live by other's standards I now appreciate my blessings and have built confidence to envision a brighter future.
