step 1
community building
Understanding the life and culture of the women we serve is vital to the work we do on the ground.
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When we host service trips or come into a new community, our first task is to determine the needs, and the talents, of the community. Through community dinners and conversation circles, we assess their ability to lead their own success and work with leaders to make sure our program is a good fit for them.
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Being able to relate to one another is an important part of the growth process. We pride ourselves in the trust our artisans have in us and the connection we have as friends in the village.
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We are excited when we can celebrate successes with our women and their families because they are our friends.
step 2
income opportunity
When you purchase from our #RockofHope Spring Collection not only will you receive a one-of-a-kind charm bracelet handmade by our artisans in the Dominican Republic but you will know for sure that you've helped families and communities! 100% of proceeds benefit programs and income for the women we serve.
We provide training and materials for the bracelets in order to support the women financially as they are training and preparing for their own business ventures. This work opportunity increases pride, confidence, and business experience through hands-on learning.
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Some women are voted by their peers into paid roles in quality control and project management to allow for leadership development and professional growth.
Every bracelet comes with a unique QR code that links you to the story of the woman who made your actual bracelet. We hope you feel connected, not only to the cause, but to the hope we can bring to one another through community.
step 3
leadership development
Through local partnerships and group service trips, we are able to provide trainings and workshops to the women we serve. Topics include literacy, budgeting, business development, and of course - bracelet making.
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Artisans are involved in every step of the planning process. We meet with community leaders regularly to develop goals together and ensure each workshop will be beneficial to the group in a sustainable way.
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By connecting them with local organizations, we have been able to provide ongoing support even through our team is based in the U.S.
step 4
self-sustaining
businesses
The goal of our program is that within three years of participation, our artisans will be confident and skilled enough to operate their own business.
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We use the cooperative model in the village which means the women work together and equally own the profits they earn. They decide as a group who leads the project, who handles the finances, and how the money is divided.
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By introducing them to local organizations and scheduling trips to banks, libraries and offices in the city - we ensure that they have all the tools and resources they need to run their business.They have equal and full ownership and this is the key to sustainable success and decreased poverty rates.