Three Generations Under Re:new's Roof

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  • By Re:new Project
Three Generations Under Re:new's Roof

Re:new Project doesn't just enhance the lives of our Artisans. The impact on an entire refugee's family can be much larger, and Za's family is a heartwarming example of that. Read the story of how three generations of one family are all a part of the mission here at Re:new Project!

Re:new Project doesn't just enhance the lives of our Artisans. The impact on an entire refugee's family can be much larger, and Za's family is a heartwarming example of that. With Za's family, we have 3 generations under our roof, all in different roles. What a privilege getting to watch them thrive! "Re:new is a place that is always ready to help refuge women in many ways," says Za. She so accurately summed up our mission here at Re:new!

Za, originally from Burma (Myanmar), has been in the United States for almost 10 years. She spent time as an Artisan with Re:new five years ago. But last year when Za lost her warehouse job due to the pandemic, she reached back out, and Re:new was able to offer her a job. She joined our artisan team again, and with the help of Josefina, our program director, Za was soon promoted to a cutting manager.

"My favorite thing (about Re:new) is hope and safety for refugee women. At Re:new I never feel lonely because of welcoming environment and love." We are so thankful that we can meet Za's need for employment and community!

But Re: new's welcoming environment and reach goes beyond Za as an artisan. Za's mother, Cherry, was given the opportunity to learn English through our ESL classes. "The people of Re:new are so kind and lovely. I am very happy and joy to going to ESL class at Re:new because all of my teachers are very good at teaching."

Re:new was also able to offer something for Za's daughter, Thian. She started volunteering and shared, "One of my favorite things about Re:new is the welcoming atmosphere from its people. As a newbie volunteer, everyone was very understanding when I had questions and helpful in answering them."

From providing a stable job for Za, teaching her mother English, and mentoring her daughter as she volunteers, we love watching these three amazing refugee women thrive at Re:new.

"Re:new is not only making new bags from old fabric, but also creating a new life of refugee women and family with kind, patience, and love from their unsecure old country," Za shared. Yes and amen!