The story of Esperanza Threads

Esperanza Threads was originally founded by Sister Mary Eileen Boyle as an extension of the Maryland-based organization, Grassroots Coalition for Economic and Environmental Justice, in efforts to support immigrants and refugees in starting their own businesses through the production and sales of sewn garments.

Upon receiving the IRS letter of determination, Esperanza Threads set off on its mission to serve people and the planet as a not-for-profit enterprise. In the same year, Threads moved out of its first sewing supervisor's basement and into its first building space provided and supported by the Vincentian Sisters in Bedford.

We moved to our current location in the Detroit-Shoreway a decade later. We were graciously accepted by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as we became their tenants. It was here that we were able to acquire and host industrial sewing machinery, which accelerated the growth of our training programs. As we redefined the impact we could have as an economic incubator for Cleveland and its residents, our evolution continued.

Plans for new programs , expanded manufacturing, and transformation into a well-rounded community resource space were drawn up as we listened to the needs of our community members.

COVID-19 impacted our operation significantly, and our core industrial sewing training program was put on pause. By the end of the year, we had reduced our operational capacity and slowly began rebuilding our practice.

Our industrial training curriculum expanded to meet the needs of local manufacturers and provide an enriching lesson plan to engage our students in creative ways outside of basic sewing projects. We began to open our doors beyond the traditional classroom, and we became a third space for many of our former students.