WomanCraft, a green social enterprise providing artisan positions and Transitional Jobs to women overcoming barriers to employment, closed on June 30, 2011. Since 1998, WomanCraft artisans recycled shredded office paper and reclaimed flowers into handmade, sustainable products. WomanCraft was honored to join Heartland Alliance in July, 2008. However, July, 2008, also signaled the beginning of the economic downturn. The resulting impact of the recession on our sales revenue and grant funding limited our ability to be economically sustainable.

As a program of Heartland Human Care Services, WomanCraft gained the opportunity to serve more participants by adding Transitional Jobs programming. Our staff artisans provided peer mentoring for participants and directly contributed to their success. We launched employment support services, benefit events, individual appeals, e-commerce and online marketing. WomanCraft received Mayor Daley’s GreenWorks award, Illinois Recycling Association’s “Best Use of a Recycled Material" award, Mindful Metropolis readers’ choice award for Best Sustainable Community Initiative, and was a Chicago Department of Environment partner in Community Green Jobs.

We thank the WomanCraft artisans and Transitional Jobs participants for inspiring us with their dedication to achieving their goals and their commitment to creating beautiful products. We deeply appreciate the support of our customers, donors, volunteers, partners, colleagues, and staff. We are especially grateful to WomanCraft’s Advisory Board for sharing their insight, talent, and vision. Working with all of you has been our great honor.

Please consider contributing to or volunteering with Heartland’s programs that ensure protection, equal rights, and full opportunities for women. To learn more about how you can help, please visit our website for more details. For questions about WomanCraft, please contact womancraft@heartlandalliance.org or call 312-870-4938. Thank you!

Nancy Phillips, Director, WomanCraft
Joseph A. Antolín, Executive Director, Heartland Human Care Services