Specifically, the funds will assist in a number of initiatives, including the purchase of new Singer sewing machines, the creation of a series of business workshops for women in the program and the provision of storage cabinets and other equipment for a new classroom.

“St. Mary’s embraces the diversity of other cultures—like those represented by the students at Rubia’s Sewing Confidence Program—because our local communities are enriched with unique products that are not only useful but educational,” said Tom Champagne, Director of Community Outreach at St. Mary’s Bank. “We’re pleased to help Rubia give refugee women the chance to learn a trade they can use to help support themselves and their families.”

The Sewing Confidence Program provides a blend of instruction for sewing both by hand and machine. In addition, it teaches refugee women applied English language and literacy, product design and microenterprise development. Students in the program learn to sew products that can be sold at a number of locations, including local retail stores, farmer’s markets, cooperative markets, cultural festivals and craft fairs. These items include shopping bags, totes, cosmetic bags, handbags, lavender sachets and pillows.

“With our program, we give our students—many of whom have spent years dealing with military conflict and less-than-ideal living conditions—a safe way to become self-sufficient in their new homes,” said Susan Bartlett, Program Coordinator. “We’re grateful to St. Mary’s Bank for their generous gift toward expanding our program. With their donation, we’re able to help lay a foundation for social and financial stability for these women.”

For more information on Rubia, Inc., call 603.397.3438 or visit their website at http://rubiahandwork.org/index.html.