2010 is an important anniversary year for Cleveland, Ohio area based non-profit group The Grassroots Coalition for Economic and Environmental Justice (GCEEJ), better known by its production and sales arm Esperanza Threads. This year marks the 10th anniversary of GCEEJ and of Esperanza Threads' smart apparel line from organic fabrics by seamstresses paid fair wages. Local retailers carry Esperanza Threads products. Also Esperanza Threads sells direct at farmers' markets and special events.
Ten years have enabled Esperanza Threads to find a niche in the ever-expanding green goods market and install safety mechanisms against unexpected threats such as the recent economic downturn. In their first five years Esperanza Threads touted a full range of ladies' apparel which culminated in an exclusive line of hand painted jackets. Big ticket products however translated into sluggish cash-flow and highly competitive waters.
Market demand proved to be highest for Esperanza Threads' children's apparel lines. This was no coincidence; infants and young children are among populations the most vulnerable to toxic chemicals present in conventional rather than the more natural fabrics Esperanza Threads uses. Nowadays Esperanza Threads makes few one-of-a-kind items and concentrates on assembly-line though still very distinct one-piece baby suits known as onesies and rompers. Esperanza Threads sews many of these under contract with Chapter One Organics and similar e-tailers and wholesalers. This success in green and fair-trade clothing recently earned Esperanza Threads the Entrepreneurs for Sustainability in Cleveland's Socially Responsible Business Champion Award.
The best part of keeping busy and productive has been Esperanza Threads' ability to retain its fairly- paid workforce, avoiding layoffs. The continued generosity of the dedicated supporters of Esperanza Threads non-profit parent group has translated into continuation of its mission to teach sewing and business skills to disadvantaged women in the Cleveland area. This educational outreach has served low-income, incarcerated and homeless women respectively.
While 2010 shows promise for stabilization of the global economy, the new year brings at least one new challenge to Esperanza Threads For starters Esperanza Threads finds itself in need of a full sized van or 10 foot box truck. Direct selling is still a very important source of revenue to Esperanza Threads and cannot be accomplished without a proper vehicle. Vehicle donations to Esperanza Threads' nonprofit parent organization are fully tax-deductible. Those wanting to donate a vehicle or with further questions should contact Sister Mary Eileen Boyle at (440) 786-9009 or customerservice@esperanzathreads.com.
ESPERANZA THREADS 1160 BDWY, BDFRD, OH 44146 www.esperanzathreads.com