Nov. 24, 2011

The Micro-enterprise of My Sisters’ Place is a collective of women who gather to create original jewelry, knitting and sewing projects. Each woman has her own inventory, designs her own collection and receives 80% of the profit from her sales, while 20% goes back to support program operations.

Micro-enterprise artisans have faced challenges in their lives such as abuse, trauma, addictions, mental illness, and poverty. With the confidence and skills gained from the Micro-enterprise experience, women are maintaining stability, developing healthy relationships, getting off government assistance, securing affordable housing and gaining employment in the community.

The only problem is the waitlist of two dozen women waiting to join but cannot due to space. Their vision is to renovate one of the last remaining coach houses in London that sits, vacant and boarded up, at the back of My Sisters' Place property.

A group of community partners have committed to making this project a reality and have dedicated financial resources, leadership and in-kind gifts to the project.  With a 2011 Community Vitality Grant from London Community Foundation, the women of Micro-enterprise are closer to their goal to create a fully accessible, large studio and a retail space to sell their art.

Lynn Blumas of My Sisters’ Place describes the change in the women who participate in the Micro-enterprise:

In the beginning I had this small group of women sitting around the table who wouldn't look at each other and barely spoke. They were very distrustful. Now, they encourage and support one another. Even outside this room, I see them in the garden sharing their lunch or encouraging one another during difficult times. This is a crucial support for their recovery.

The Coach House Project addresses four of the vital signs adopted by the London Community Foundation: Gap Between Rich and Poor, Leadership and Belonging, Learning and Work.

London Community Foundation is pleased to have awarded The Coach House Project 2011 a Community Vitality Grant of $102,000.

>> 2011 Community Vitality Grant Recipients
>> Support the Community Vitality Grant Program