Established in 1996, the Women’s Craft Cooperative (WCC) creates a collaborative work environment where women obtain job readiness skills and learn craft skills, as well as elements of merchandising. As members of the WCC, women have access to opportunities for training and education in areas that both complement the needs of the Cooperative and offer career growth for the individual. For some women, the WCC provides a welcome part-time paid work opportunity. For others, participation will act as a spring board to higher education and specialized training as they seek employment elsewhere.
The button brooch, and other jewelry items created by the WCC, have proved to be a tremendously popular. Over the last several years, tens of thousands of WCC products have been sold – through national catalogs, at craft fairs, to corporations and through retail stores. Today, more than 30 stores nationwide sell WCC products. Marketing WCC jewelry has provided a meaningful outcome for WCC artisans, and has provided a steady stream of income for project expenses. Last year, 100% of project expenses were paid for through the sale of WCC products.
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