Sewing Hope, a project of Fount of Mercy’s Vocational Development program, supports tailoring programs within African grassroots organizations by providing technical training and financial assistance; empowering individuals with the skills necessary to earn an income and support their communities. 

Our vision is to inform and involve professionals in the fashion, costume, and related industries about how easy it is to empower African individuals in related fields. Sewing Hope shows professionals in the fashion and costume industries here in New York that our field can be more than style and glamour.  It is also a business that cares deeply about women and their empowerment.  We strive to be a unique program that embodies these values both here in New York, and also in Africa.  Our yearly fashion event raises awareness for our cause, and raises funds that go directly to aid these women. Each summer, we fly to the villages to distribute supplies, teach classes, and provide capacity building for grass-root indigenous organizations.

“I had no interest in working in Uganda until I learned about the sewing programs that several African grass-roots organizations have started.  Fount of Mercy supports many orphanages which are teaching the women who live in the community to sew.  Their hope is to be able to earn income for their large families.  Suddenly, I had purpose for going.  I realized that I can use the creative skills I have to help these women.  Many of them are sick, abandoned, or widowed.  Having new skills and resources gives them a clear way to earn money, something that is very unstable in their lives.  Meeting them and finding this commonality was amazing.  Sewing is truly a universal skill, one which I use to make a living, and one which can help empower women in Africa to make a living also.  We often think about humanitarian efforts being done by doctors, nurses, teachers, builders, ect., but really we all have a way to help, especially in our creative industries.”

Tara Hawks, Director of Vocational Development