• About Renew

    Renew is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering refugee women through employment, community, and creativity. Based in Glen Ellyn, IL, we provide artisan training and sustainable job opportunities for women resettled in the Chicagoland area.

    Using donated and purchased materials, refugee women handcraft beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags, accessories, and home goods — each piece carefully stitched with a story of resilience, hope, and new beginnings. Our mission is to weave community and opportunity together, creating a space where women can thrive economically, socially, and creatively.

    When you shop Renew, you don’t just purchase a product — you Carry the Story of courage, dignity, and peace.

  • Core Values

    We lead humbly
    We value all people as Jesus does, welcoming everyone with grace and kindness. We respect and honor each person, recognizing them as created in the image of God. We humbly ask God for help, knowing that only He gives the increase.

    We embrace curiosity
    We are open to others' thoughts and opinions, continually learning, and making room for diverse ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.

    We create together
    We prioritize "we" over "me," are team players, collaborative, and bring courage to others. We support one another.

    We pursue excellence
    We hold ourselves to a high standard, make room for growth, and do our very best with what we have.

  • Our Beginning & Christian Identity

    Renew was founded in 2009 by Rebecca Sandberg and a team of Christian women in the western suburbs of Chicago. Moved by the biblical call to love and serve the sojourner, widow, and oppressed (Leviticus 19:33–34; Deuteronomy 10:18–19), they set out to create a space where refugee women could experience community, healing, and dignified work.

    Rooted in friendships with local refugee women and shaped by years of overseas experience, Renew was established to meet two essential needs: a safe and welcoming community, and the opportunity to earn income through marketable skills. In partnership with local churches and other supporters, Renew offers a place where faith is expressed through relationships, service, and shared purpose.

    While deeply grounded in Christian values and love of Jesus, Renew welcomes and empowers women of all faiths and backgrounds.
Learn more about us in our annual report!