"Scarving": Making a Difference in A Woman's Life

Many of you have read the blog and seen the pictures of the farming project. Now, we are starting a new project for the economic development of 18 women in the refugee community. The idea is to take the skills and talents they have, and help them develop an income. Our new project is handmade scarves and hats.

These women are able to knit and crochet beautifully handmade items. These scarves are something that the women really spend time on and we have seen their excitement grow as they are creating something beautiful for others to enjoy. Now we are looking for proactive ways to get the word out about these women and their scarves.

So, Hope Rise invested the first few batches of yarn, needles and other items needed for the women to get started. When we got the first 20 items back, we were pleasantly surprised how unique and beautiful each scarf was. They were beyond our expectations. The women make each scarf with unique color and style, which takes about two days to finish. Our goal is to try and get these scarves out into the public, so that the profits go directly to the woman that made it so that they may help pay their rent, utilities and other needs for their family.

We really believe in these women, and we believe that this is the next step God has for us. We are giving each woman a sense of purpose as she creates beautiful things to add to the world around her, and they are finding joy in that. Many of them sit in apartments all day with no job and little activity. The cook, clean and watch their children. One woman, Narayani, told me that she would like to just help her husband pay for the electricity bill, so that she could be a part of providing for her family.

Right now, our first step is to start a website and scarf store, which will be up within the next month or so. Until then, we will be selling them at Hope Rise sponsored events, and other church events where we have been asked to speak.

Besides the unique handmade scarves, the website will include a story about the woman who made each individual scarf. These stories are touching and filled with true hope.

We really are trying to get the word out, and we know once people see these scarves and the purpose behind them. People will love them!

Today, we are asking if anyone has extra yarn, needles, or additional items we can use! Please continue to stay updated as this opportunity for these women continues to grow. Our hope is we will get the scarves into local shops and boutiques around the city. We are so excited to use our resources and the talents of the women in this way!

Have a great day! We love that you are a part of this mission. Thank you so much for reading and being involved. We love you!