Community Collaboration: Common Threads of Maine
Learn more about the local organizations we support. Today we are featuring Commmon Threads of Maine in Westbrook. The non-profit is strengthening our region's textile industry and community.
Photo by Gabe Souza , From Common Threads Website
Housed in the Dana Warp Mill in downtown Westbrook is Common Threads of Maine. This non-profit is teaching invaluable textile skills through a tuition-free sewing school and providing space for entrepreneurs in a makerspace. Their job training program gives participants confidence and knowledge they can apply at local companies, who are eager to have skilled textile workers on board.
Guided Makers is lucky enough to have worked with the organization in the past and supported through material donations.
Their Mission
“At Common Threads of Maine, our mission is to promote fulfilling careers in the Maine textile industry by teaching people to become skilled stitchers, advocating for fair treatment in the workplace, and assisting business development.
Common Threads invites anyone looking to change their life to apply to our program. Our nonprofit school is always tuition-free. Nearly all participants have been refugees, asylum seekers, or new citizens of the United States.
Since the organization’s beginning in 2015, over 180 students have learned to become skilled industrial stitchers. We have helped connect over 85 percent to good paying jobs at the workplaces of local employers. Participants have earned new confidence, workplace skills and improved English and math skills.”
Photo by Tom McPherson, From Common Threads Website
Where They Started:
“Our nonprofit school was founded in 2015 by Dory Waxman, owner of Old Port Wool and Textile Company in Portland, Maine.
As a textile entrepreneur, Dory Waxman spotted a rare opportunity: Maine textile manufacturers needed skilled industrial stitchers, and immigrants in Maine needed stable, well paying jobs. She believed she could teach immigrants to become the expert stitchers that Maine’s textile makers needed.
In 2019, Common Threads of Maine was granted 501c3 status. In early 2021, Dory handed the reins of the organization to Apphia Kamanda and Jo Bell, who stepped up from their roles as sewing instructors to become Co-Executive Directors. Dory is now Chair of the Board of Directors for Common Threads.”
Photo by Tom McPherson, From Common Threads Website
Photo by Tom McPherson, From Common Threads Website
How to Support
Guided Makers recently donated extra fabric to Common Threads. That fabric will be used in their sewing classes, and some will also be sold in their fabric store. We encourage those with extra useable fabric to also consider donating. In addition, you can make a monetary donation directly on their website. A volunteer application is available for those interested in donating their time.