BLOOM

Bloom Handcrafted Designs is an innovative initiative started by Gateway of Grace Ministries to encourage and empower refugee women by introducing them to the process of operating a small business. In addition to developing their knowledge of small business operations in America, this supervised process builds their confidence, increases their English fluency, and allows them to share their quality handcrafted products with local communities. It’s a real opportunity for each young refugee woman to Bloom as an individual, entrepreneur, and resident of America. 

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This economic empowerment initiative began as a response to the coronavirus pandemic by making face masks to help flatten the curve and was aptly named Project Mask, DFW. Gateway of Grace Ministries gathered a group of interested ladies, provided training, patterns, and all the materials, marketed their finished products, and then purchased the face masks in bulk to sell.  Thus far, the ladies have sewn more than 3,500 face masks! And, 100% of the proceeds continue to go directly to them. Many of the women received their first-ever paychecks, and are eager to continue helping support their families! 

Bloom Handcrafted Designs is an expansion of that vision, now including such items as home and holiday decorations, table settings, and other unique crafts. During this second phase, the focus will be on helping these ladies become self-sustaining in their craft, and gain hands-on practical experience in operating a small business. Through Gateway of Grace Ministries, our goal is for Bloom Handcrafted Designs to be the instrument that enables these young refugee women to Bloom in their new country.