The story of Esperanza Threads

We train and empower Cleveland community members in the sewing trade, growing avenues of economic opportunity while offering a space to learn, connect, and collaborate as a sustainable enterprise within the fashion and textile industry.

Our story Our Team

Our Founder's Journey: From Passion to Impact

Founded by Sister Mary Eileen in 2000, Esperanza Threads has served as a grassroots organization supporting local, marginalized, incarcerated, immigrant and refugee communities through the training of sewing and an introduction to the textile industry. With a vision to support social & environmental justice in Cleveland Sr. Mary Eileen believed in supporting domestic manufacturing and employment that was both ethical and prosperous for those employed as well as those in training. Sr. Mary Eileen set the foundation for Esperanza Threads, casting its roots in offering opportunities to low income individuals, manufacturing with organic natural fibers and collecting donated textiles for upcycling.

Full Timeline

rooted in decades of community presence

Esperanza Threads has been an active part of the Cleveland community for over two decades. Serving # individuals to date, Esperanza has had a rippling effect in the connection of social, environmental, and economic resources available to anyone and everyone!

2000

Sister Mary Eileen Boyle founded Esperanza Threads, at the time an extension of the Maryland based organization, Grassroots Coalition for Economic and Environmental Justice.

2002

Upon receiving the IRS letter of determination in September, Esperanza Threads set off on its mission to serve people and the environment as a non-profit. In the same year Esperanza moved out of its first sewing supervisor, Catherine Dillard’s, basement and into its first building provided and supported by the Vincentian Sisters in Bedford.

2011

Moving to the Detroit Shoreway 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 machines which accelerated the growth of our training programs.

2019

Manufacturing had a pin put in it as its financial model was sustaining itself but not serving the training program which is at the center of Esperanza’s mission.

2020

With a shift in focus from manufacturing to primarily training a new program and longer classes cycles were introduced. Covid impacted our operation temporarily but the new vision for a training focused mission has persisted and continues to thrive.

2023

Expanded the curriculum and availability to include night classes.

be a part of our community!

Whether it's staying up to date with our programs, textile offerings, or pop-up events, being a part of The Thread means you’re tapped into our community resources which are also great for entrepreneurs, artists, creatives and really anyone in the Cleveland area!

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Our team

The awesome crew responsible for bringing Esperanza Threads to life