Our Approach
We believe solutions to poverty should restore dignity to those experiencing poverty, moving them into economic self-sufficiency so that they may become leaders of change within their families and communities.
The Most Vulnerable
We respond to the call of Jesus to love the poor and care for the most vulnerable in society. We believe everyone, even the most broken, can be transformed into healed individuals who can care for themselves and their families.
Female Focused
Research reveals that investing in women in developing countries is essential to achieving broader development goals. Women who are provided jobs, education and encouragement will be more likely to instill those values in future generations. We believe that investing in women will reap lasting rewards for future generations.
Community Based
We emphasize community-based solutions to poverty by working with local people, local resources, and local talents. We strive for locally led initiatives that highlight community assets, promote Rwandan independence, and cultivate sustainability wherever possible.
Transformed Lives
Through a holistic and relational work environment, Handspun Hope works to transform entire lives. Many of the women served by our organization suffer from traumatic loss, HIV/AIDS and marginalization in their own communities. We believe true transformation can only come through relationship with Jesus Christ. Beyond just work, Handspun Hope provides the tools, support, and community to help women live a lifestyle transformed by the Gospel.
Lasting Impact
We aim to empower adults so that, through health awareness, financial stability, and educational values, our employess will become better parents and role models in the lives of vulnerable children in Rwanda. Investing in the lives of Rwandan women shapes future generations.
Our Model
We believe that creating lasting generational change comes from truly seeing and caring for the whole person.
Our unique impact model incorporates dignified employment with a breadth of social care resources to support the women of Handspun Hope in their journeys toward holistic transformation—empowering them with not only a secure job, but the skills they need to thrive in work and invest in their families.
What They Do
Dignified Work
All 209 women working for Handspun Hope earn fair, salaried wages as they produce our beautiful line of handmade, organic and naturally dyed products, including yarn, felted goods, and knit accessories.
We have our own flock of Merino sheep, and the women are trained in job skills for each part of the production process, including washing, carding, picking, dyeing, spinning, needle felting, and knitting.
CORE FOCUS
Mental Health Counseling
Every woman in our employ suffers from some level of trauma and loss. That’s why a key focus of our model is trauma counseling programming led by a team of Rwandan psychologists, including:
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Ibyringiro Institute lay counselor training
Social work advocacy
