A refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, and/or violence. As of 2024, the UN reports 38 million refugees globally. This number continues to grow year after year.

The life of a refugee feels very uncertain, unsettling, and transient. Often, refugees flee at a moment's notice with little to no possessions, leaving everything behind for safety.  Once they arrive in a safe zone, they are registered as a refugee through the UN and given a referral to resettle in another country. The resettlement process can take up to 3 years, and only 5% of refugees are ultimately resettled. Until they are resettled or it is deemed safe to go back home, refugees often live in refugee camps in foreign countries with few resources.

Since our founding, we have employed over 150 Artisans. The number of Artisans currently employed fluctuate between 8-10 depending on space availability and the size of the graduating sewing class.

We serve up to 10 students per week through our Friday sewing class and ESL class. 

Our students and Artisans come from all around the world! A number of countries are represented at any given time, including Myanmar, Iraq, Afghanistan, Azerbidjan, Ethiopia, and many more! Students hear about our class in different ways, such as word of mouth, through partnership organizations like World Relief, and local libraries and churches.

Artisans have flexible, part-time employment. We share meals, offer weekly Bible study, as well as continued ESL classes and job skills training. There is so much joy that goes into each handmade product, sold online and in our Glen Ellyn store.

As a post-resettlement organization, it is our goal to set Artisans up for future success in whichever career path they choose. Offering part-time employment encourages Artisans to explore other vocational and educational opportunities and allows more refugee women to be hired.

At Renew, donations are vital to our mission of empowering refugee women through skill development and holistic support. Contributions enable us to provide comprehensive training programs, emotional and spiritual care, and pathways to dignified employment. We accept donations via our secure online platform, by mail, and through in-kind contributions. Each gift directly supports our participants' journey from students to skilled Artisans, fostering transformation and community impact.

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