2017 overview
letter from an artisan At Re:new our goal is to provide hope and inspiration for the artisans we serve, and one of the ways we do that is by connecting them in meaningful ways to you, our amazing supporters. Read on and enjoy a heartfelt letter from one of our talented artisans, Farida.
Hello, friends!
My name is Farida. In 2005 my family came to Wheaton, Illinois, from Georgian Russia. My household is filled with family members I love: my husband, my son, my daughter-in-law, my 11-yearold granddaughter, and my 18-month-old grandson. My family is my joy.
Four years ago my sister Gyulnara invited me to come to Re:new’s sewing class with her. I was so happy to learn to sew and improve my English. After finishing sewing lessons, we both graduated and were offered Artisan positions at Re:new. My favorite product to sew is the crossbody bag, especially in the color green!
One of the things I love about Re:new is that we bring food to share at lunch each day. I am so happy to be at the table with my Re:new friends. I like to bring homemade bread—it is so good with Greek cheese and olives!
My Re:new friends and I thank you all so much for your support of Re:new. We are so grateful for you!
FARIDA
re:new by the numbers
8
20
Refugee women are currently
Refugee women have
employed by Re:new, providing
participated in Re:new’s weekly
them with a stable income and
sewing classes and English
a method for providing for their
lessons this year, equipping
families
them with the skills they need to obtain gainful employment
10
2,982
Countries are represented by
Products have been sewn by
the artisans in Re:new’s
the talented artisans in 2017
program
what we love about re:new "I love Re:new because it is a good place to work. I don’t even feel like I am at work. The ladies are all my friends, and we all understand each other." Fatma Artisan
"I love Re:new because of the friendships I have built with women from other countries. They are a constant source of inspiration, and my life is so much richer having them as dear friends.” Holly Setran Board Member
“I love Re:new because the staff, artisans, volunteers, and interns all have a place to come together and create beautiful products. We all have a special piece to play in the
"I love Re:new because it gives me the opportunity to study English. If I need anything, people are there to help." Gyulnara Artisan
Re:new story.” Brit Garber Operations Director
“I love Re:new because the refugee women have
“I love everything about Re:new. The artisans, staff, volunteers—we are all like family. Everyone helps each other and is so kind." Shatha Artisan
given me a beautiful glimpse into so many cultures that I knew very little about. I truly love finding that we all have so much in common, no matter where in the world we are from.” Kelly Van Dyke Volunteer
your dollars will be matched this holiday season We are so grateful for the generous support we receive daily from you, our amazing Re:new family. We are so excited to share that this holiday season we’ve received
a generous donor has offered to match up to $15,000 given to support unrestricted funds! an extra special gift:
This gift is extra special because unrestricted funds allow Re:new to do more with our resources. We can provide better services for the artisans, both those who are employed by our organization and those who participate in our sewing classes, and we can use these generously
By receiving funding that is not restricted to certain projects, our staff and Board of Directors can make careful, prayerful decisions about how best to use the money that has been entrusted to our organization, ensuring that we meet pressing needs as they arise. donated funds to expand our reach.
We would be so honored if you would choose to donate to support our match this holiday season.
Visit us online at renewproject.org to make a donation, or send a check in the enclosed envelope to make your contribution today!