Mothers Together, Inc.

This programme taught professional sewing skills and job-readiness and job-retention skills to women living in economically impoverished situations.

The training included basic writing and math skills, lasted 8-10 weeks, and culminated with the finding of work or launching of employment activities. There was follow-up support for a year following "graduation" from the programme.

Mothers Together, Inc. also provided opportunities for women who sew to become entrepreneurs - linking the women to outside contract opportunities.

Women, Economic Development.

50,000plus families in New York City were ineligible for welfare in September, 2001 and the city did not have jobs for all of these people. This programme is premised on the idea that women with little or no education can excel at sewing and that there are significant opportunities for small sewing contracts in the greater New York City region. For women who have been disempowered, it is critical for them to realise that they have something to offer - to each other - in a cooperative work setting. According to Mothers Together, Inc., the learning went much further than sewing; the women began to use each other as resources and support.

Once a month, Mothers Together, Inc. sponsored a "Free Arts Day" (part of the National Free Arts for Abused Children) for families who were "in danger of abuse" to work and play together in a supportive, creative environment.

Mothers Together, Inc. also collaborated with the New York Work Alliance to find work for the women.

Mothers Together, Inc. has closed.