This is the first installment in a regular series we’re starting to keep you updated on our Dominican ministries and staff.
Many of you are familiar with our Women’s Cooperative, a group of 20 women who live in and around Cielo. Many of the women work daily jobs to support their families, and they use earnings from Co-op sales to supplement their incomes. They have worked together since 2007 and have partnered with American women and churches over the years to design and sell products. Projects have ranged from tote bags to Christmas ornaments to various jewelry products.
Over the past several years, the Co-op women have been thriving together both relationally and spiritually. They have hosted numerous outreach events in the community and continually minister to other women and families in their communities. The women have a well-developed vision for future of the Co-op that deepens its impact on their own families and the larger community. It is our desire to grow this program in a way that will support their vision, increase the earning potential of the Co-op women, and empower them to develop new products, increase sales, and pursue new markets.
Mission Emanuel is eager to support the Co-op in their expansion efforts, and we believe this is well-aligned with our existing economic development efforts in the community. We are excited to welcome Kelly Hardee on staff to serve as Creative Director of the Women’s Cooperative. Kelly first came to the Dominican 16 years ago as a high school student with First Presbyterian Church of Winston-Salem. She served on summer staff, faithfully supported a child through our sponsorship program, and led projects with the Co-op on multiple occasions. She desires to bring her creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit to help create a sustainable artisan business that will change the lives of Dominican women. Kelly lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, Tyler, and two precious children, Selah and Clay.
|
|
| Kelly Hardee with husband, Tyler, and children, Selah and Clay |
|
|
|
| Rosa Sierra, Director of Economic Development |
|
|
Kelly will be working in conjunction with Rosa Sierra, our Director of Economic Development. Rosa was born in Santo Domingo where she attended a bilingual school and further on graduated as an economist. She first came to Mission Emanuel as a teenager when she volunteered as a translator for short-term mission trips. Currently, aside from being on Mission Emanuel’s staff, she serves in church ministry alongside her beloved husband, Hector.
We are full of hope for all that God has in store for this program. If you would like to partner with this special ministry, please consider donating at missionemanuel.org/donate and selecting the Women’s Co-op in the Select a Fund box. All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly to the program re-launch. If you would like to learn more about our plans for the program, you can reach Kelly directly at kelly@missionemanuel.org. |
|
Pictured above are the Co-op members, along with their leaders, Enercida Reyes and Glendi Lora.
|
