Diamond Brand’s Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability prioritizes People, Planet, and Prosperity through responsible business models and practices. One of the ways we do this is through strategic partnerships.
For the past several summers we have worked with the WORX Project, a local nonprofit whose mission is to empower middle and high school students across Buncombe County with the chance to learn outside the typical classroom. This innovative career-connected community learning program is operated in collaboration with Asheville City School’s IRL program and focuses on practical, real-world and hands-on skill-building to supporting youth in finding their path in life and work.
How it Worx
WORX partners with dozens of local businesses and organizations in diverse fields like construction and building, culinary arts, agriculture and our personal favorite– outdoor recreation.
For the past few summers, Diamond Brand has had the exciting opportunity to help kids make drawstring backpacks and tote bags from recycled tent canvas, and even the chance to personalize their creations with sew-on patches. For many kids, this was their first time ever touching a sewing machine!
WORX’s values align with Diamond Brand’s because they’re all about learning by doing, firing up creativity, and sparking a light for the future. Our team has enjoyed introducing these young leaders to sewing machine skills and techniques, and helping to open doors to fulfilling careers in a variety of sectors.
“All the participants were great sports! Sewing machines can be intimidating, to say the least, but all the kids were willing to slide right up to them and go. We made simple zippered bags and utensil rolls from Moonrise patterns. It was very gratifying to see their faces when they turned the items, and to their surprise- it looked like a cool, functioned product. “
Ramona Shepard, Design Development Lead at Diamond Brand
Looking Back
This is not Diamond Brand’s first venture into sewing education and skill-development. In 2019 we helped launch an industrial sewing program to help revive the Western North Carolina’s textile industry.
Partnering with over 20 local organizations, manufacturers and educational institutions including the Carolina Textile District, Blue Ridge Community College, A-B Tech, and ISAIC we helped prepare participants for careers in sewing while also emphasizing the satisfaction and sustainability of U.S.-based manufacturing and industrial sewing techniques.
Looking Ahead
It has been an honor and privilege for Diamond Brand to help these local youth build a brighter future. We are grateful for the opportunity to train the next generation of skilled sewers, while also supporting local green job growth.
It’s exciting to think that perhaps this experience will lead to a future in sewing for some of these lucky individuals, and maybe they will become a part of Diamond Brand’s own team of talented craftspeople and quality inspectors one day!
Thank you, WORX Project, Asheville City Schools Foundation and In Real Life After-School, for ensuring that local students have opportunities to ignite their passions and live a curious life year-round. What an inspiring example of community!
Diamond Brand is proud to partner with dozens of like-minded local and regional businesses and organizations each year in our mission to support the greater good. Want to join us? We’d love to hear from you! Partnership inquiries can be sent to media@diamondbrandgear.com.
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