In challenging economic times, United Way East Ontario partners with organizations like EcoEquitable to help people build the skills and confidence they need—not just to find work, but to thrive in their everyday lives.
“Sewing for Jobs is an incredibly unique program,” says Julia Hunter, Executive Director, EcoEquitable. “In Ottawa, and in Canada, there’s no other place that unites sewing with sustainable fabric and the educational opportunity to equip women with professional sewing skills.
Julia explains that Sewing for Jobs offers a safe, supportive space for women from diverse backgrounds to come together and learn a new skill. Participants also build friendships and networks with each other, fostering a stronger sense of belonging in the community after graduation.
And the need for this kind of programming is growing.
In the summer of 2024, EcoEquitable had about 28 applicants to fill 20 seats in its fall Sewing for Jobs program. This past summer, they saw close to 50 applications to the program.
"Regardless of what they do after the program, our goal is that they’re empowered and confident to be able to take those next life steps."
Transforming lives through needle and thread
Carolina Nino discovered EcoEquitable in 2016, shortly after arriving in Canada. Today, she’s the organization’s Program Coordinator.
Carolina had gone to school to be an interior designer before coming to Canada but didn’t speak much English when she arrived and was unsure of what she would do for work.
Her experience mirrors that of many women who now walk through EcoEquitable’s doors.
“When you enter EcoEquitable you feel how you can get inspired, how you can get empowered.”
“Many participants are single mothers,” Carolina explains. “They say, ‘I cannot leave my kids, I don’t know people, I don’t know this country.’ So, they feel really good when they gain the confidence to find a job or build their own business.”
Sewing for Jobs certainly boosted Carolina’s confidence.
“Not only did I gain valuable skills and knowledge through this program, but I met wonderful people and got to practice my English,” she adds.
Carolina now dreams of a day when she might work at a local museum, keeping historic garments alive—the Victorian era is her favourite.
“I try to take what I have learned here and pass it onto others,” she says. “The people that work and volunteer here are so loving and compassionate. It encourages me to do the same—be a good human, be kind, and do what I can to change the lives of others.”
Together, we continue to make a difference
Building an equitable economy is one of the pillars of Women United. We invest in job skills, education, and financial stability so women like Carolina, and others in vulnerable situations, can achieve economic independence.
“Something that I really appreciate about our partnership with United Way is there’s always an open door, and an open channel of communication. They’re always there to support us— And for a small organization like EcoEquitable, that truly makes all the difference.”
Women United is a diverse, vibrant community of visionaries and change makers bound together by a powerful sense of belonging—to one another and to our mission of transforming the lives of women.
When you give to United Way East Ontario, your support brings us one step closer to a future where everyone thrives.
