"I was so used to hearing about humanitarian efforts by doctors, teachers, engineers, churches, etc., but it never seemed like something I could take part in too. Sewing Hope grew from the realization, even before my first trip to Uganda, that I can apply the skills I use in my everyday life to help struggling African women earn an income. I earn a living sewing, and they can earn a living sewing also. It gave more purpose to my career here in New York, as well as a very logical and tangible way for me to help other women."
Tara Hawks, director of Sewing Hope (www.fountofmercy.com/fount/sewinghopeuganda)

"Fashion shows that double as supportive causes, are ALWAYS in fashion and this year's "Sewing Hope" was no exception. The Show, on April 5th (2009), which supports a seamstress training program for AIDS widows in Uganda brought together award-winning designers in Fashion, Film and Theater to create original pieces using African fabrics." Guest of A Guest (http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-fashion/daily-style-phile-sewing-hope-brings-top-designers-together-to-support-aids-widows-in-uganda/)

We have the opportunity to create, to establish, to grow, and to paint a better life for ourselves and for others, it is just a matter of looking inside ourselves and then outside of ourselves. Each of us were designed with a resource - a gift. Some use it to help others, some use it for self gain, but really if you stop to think about it, getting ahead is often getting behind someone else and sharing in your gift to help reveal theirs.

Beauty can be seen in the face of the woman given the opportunity to build upon who she knows to be as herself.

"...the fact that people tend to only help or get behind something when they feel bad enough or guilty enough to help. Join us in being people that are more inspired, more moved, more willing to give/act when HOPE (truth), not despair, is presented." Morgan Hansow, co-founder of Light Gives Heat