When you carry our billboard bags, tell the story. It is your opportunity to share the story of job creation. Each bag is handmade by refugees (from Vietnam, Bhutan, Rwanda), who have been forced to flee their countries because of conflict and found refuge in America. Our shop is located in Charlotte, North Carolina within walking distance of a large refugee community. Every worker is going through a job training skills course including: English as a second language classes, personal finance training, positive work skills, sewing courses, and relationship management. Each team member is paired with a mentoring partner to share personal knowledge to guide their integration of life into the complicated American culture. We hope that every bag creation is a physical restoration of dignity for the workers all the while addressing local social needs.

One simple way for you to encourage our team of sewers is to email a simple thank you note and encourage their work.

Thank our workers: thanks@plywoodpeople.com

Plywood People – 02.2011 from Orange on Vimeo.