GRIP has big ideas to empower survivors but needs funds
As a way to keep the shelter open the organisation has come up with various initiatives, but to implement these ideas it needs funds and donations.
GRIP is in need of assistance for its shelter sustainability plan to become a reality. The local organisation has shelters, that provide critical services to victims experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse, providing a safe place to stay, counselling, support and skills upliftment to help women and children stand on their own again.
As a way to keep the shelter open the organisation has come up with various initiatives, but to implement these ideas it needs funds and donations.
Its plans include making embroidered draw-string bags, backpacks/pencil cases/toiletry bags, laptop covers, face masks, tote bags, teddy bears, show-and-tell dolls and many more items that will be introduced with time.
GRIP’s Christi Jackson said, “We need a sewing machine, craft supplies, black/whiteboard for classes, donations of all craft supplies and stationery. We are in need of funds to make this plan become a reality, although we would like the public to know that if they want to donate the items we need they are most welcome to do so.”
“As a non-profit organisation we train and equip the tenants of the shelter with skills. The shelter empowers them with skills they can use when they go back into the world.
“It is usually new skills that they can further develop or use to create an income for themselves.”
“The products will be sold on consignment or on order, and the seamstresses/craftsmen get paid once the sale is made. We depend on material and supplies donations to host the craft classes.
“We have skilled seamstresses and craftsmen who train the survivors on a weekly basis. Sewing lessons and craft classes are provided once a week. A new skill is taught at every lesson.
The idea is to have new products develop from every session so that we can sell the products as GRIP ones.
“The tenants are taught how to run a small business. After each product is made, a small class is given on how to price it. The proceeds go to the GRIP shelter fund and a small labour fee is paid to each lady who makes the product,” she explained.
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“Our future plans include starting a hairdressing and cake-baking station at the shelter.” Products are sold via GRIP’s social media platforms and website and at local markets.
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For more information you can visit their offices at 46 Anderson Street. Bulk orders are also accepted.
