Six year ago, Jean Bathke came up with the idea to marry two of her passions: empowering women and textiles. She loves ethnic prints and fabrics, and as an IRC supporter, refugees naturally came to mind as a potential talent pool. This idea remained in Jean's imagination for a couple years until she took the leap: enter Janey Appleseed.  While the brand's start began with artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean recently brought it back to its 'roots' by reaching out to the IRC in search of qualified seamstresses. 

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Dresses sewn by IRC client, Papa, and available on JaneyAppleseed.com
Photo: Jean Bathke

IRC in Oakland employment specialist Dana Bustamante received the email from Jean and knew immediately a client who would benefit. Papa, a refugee client who was on leave from work with an illness, had extensive experience as a seamstress in her native Burma. Dana introduced Papa to Jean via email and the two corresponded on patterns, fabric, and timeline. Jean shipped Papa the patterns and fabric along with an order for 12 dresses. According to Jean, "Papa's work was perfect. She has top notch skills." Janey Appleseed had a pop-up shop in Santa Cruz in early August and four of Papa's dresses were sold. ""I'm really delighted to move forward into a new season working with the IRC, and am excited for the opportunity to impact the lives of refugee women in a meaningful, positive way." 

Refugee women, especially mothers, are often left behind during the resettlement process. In most cases, adult males go straight into the workforce where they are able to form bonds and begin to navigate their new home. But as the primary caregivers for children, womencarry heavy emotional burdens and are negatively impacted by disrupted family and social connections. Having work-from-home, flexible hour income opportunities like those Janey Appleseed provide can make a tremendous difference in the lives of refugee women. The work gives them a sense of purpose, productivity, and pride. "Jean’s project provides an enormous opportunity for refugee women to connect with their new community and gain valuable work experience. I am excited to see where we can take this project, and what new opportunities we can open up for our clients," said Dana.

Dana is working to educate more refugee women about opportunities with Janey Appleseed through multi-language outreach materials. Next up, an Afghan refugee woman will begin sewing children's quilts for Janey Appleseed, just in time for winter. The IRC is incredibly grateful for local businesses like Janey Appleseed who partner with us to provide meaningful work for refugee women and look forward to an expanding partnership. 

The IRC in Oakland is looking for donated sewing machines in good condition to help women interested in seamstressing opportunities get a strong start; to donate one, please contact [email protected]. For information on hiring refugees in Oakland, please contact [email protected].