How it works
"There is no greater gift than giving another the ability to give" -More Sagely Wisdom
The Jerusalem Sewing Cooperative provides each young seamstress with:
- a brand-new high-quality sewing machine, which is hers to keep exclusive sewing tools as incentives and gifts
- professional training from sewing and design experts
- instruction in basic business skills and continual guidance as she begins her own small business
- a forum of friendship and group support through monthly classes and meetings with the other JSC seamstresses
In return for her equipment and training, each seamstress:
- sews for The Family of Israel Fund's Bridal Project. Each month, she produces a complete set of linens for a needy bride. These linen sets include sheets, pillowcases, comforter covers, summer and winter weight blankets, and tablecloths.
- donates 1/10 of her earnings back to the JSC, in keeping with the traditional practice of maaser, wherein even poor people give charity. Cumulative maaser from the seamstresses offsets the cost of storing the fabrics and supplies and the distribution of the finished bridal packages.
In addition to the other goods and services that the seamstresses receive from the JSC, their families receive monthly assistance of $150 from The Family of Israel Fund.