It’s a long way from the refugee camps of Asia and Africa to Fort Worth, but each year families make the journey in hopes of building a better life.

When they get here, they face the challenge of acclimating to a new culture, learning a new language and earning a living.

That’s when Catholic Charities Fort Worth steps in. Thanks to an innovative business venture run by the organization called WORN, more than 40 refugee women are able to financially support their families by knitting and crocheting scarves and other accessories. WORN’s products are available online and at select stores, with the profits going back to the women and to support other programs at the nonprofit.

In addition to WORN, Catholic Charities also operates the Translation and Interpretation Network, which has 170 interpreters who speak 60 languages, that work in area businesses, schools and hospitals. This year the organization is also launching a third business venture called Urban Manor that will provide affordable housing and services geared to enhancing individual and family self-sufficiency.

“We’re a big believer in social enterprise here,” says Heather Reynolds ’01 (MBA ’08), Catholic Charities’ president and CEO (left). “That’s because most of the time, it provides double and triple bottom lines. We can help people while generating revenue to support our non-profit mission, so it’s just such a win-win.”

The initial idea for WORN came from Abbi Martin Ice, wife of Geoff Ice ’07, who plays the bass in the band Green River Ordinance. The two met while she was interning at TOMs Shoes in Los Angeles and she eventually moved to Texas where she became the community resource developer for refugee services at Catholic Charities.

Having seen the TOMs business model up close, where the company donates a pair of shoes for each one purchased, Ice saw an opportunity for the refugee women to harness their creative skills and provide for their families. She suggested they knit scarves that could be sold, then she and Reynolds got additional help from TCU MBA students, who performed a feasibility study.

WORN was born in 2011 and continues to grow, adding a new line for children this spring. Meredith Schaefer ’03, serves as sales executive for the line.

“When you purchase a scarf from WORN, you are really helping a woman get out of poverty,” adds Heather. “In addition, to paying the women who knit, all the money we make from the sale of the scarves goes back to Catholic Charities to support our anti-poverty initiatives.”
On the Web:
wornforpeace.com