The story of Esperanza Threads

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Expanded the curriculum and availability to include night classes.