Designed For Joy provides women in crisis with stability through immediate transitional employment. These women may be emerging from substance abuse, homelessness, justice involvement, domestic situations, human trafficking, or as refugees. We provide resources, encouragement, and a safe place to be. We envision a community where every woman has the opportunity to earn a competitive wage through dignified work.
Our artisans create beautiful leather handbags and accessories in our Raleigh, NC studio.
We guide artisans every step of the way as they learn how to handcraft our leather products.
Artisans craft our Abigail handbag
A finished Abigail handbag
182
artisans provided with safe and dignified work
$703,010
in competitive wages earned by our artisans
82%
of artisans go on to full time work
"At Designed For Joy, I learned I'm a hard worker. I also gained a better understanding of self worth. Designed For Joy also taught me that not all women are against me.
"Because of Designed For Joy, I have hope. I have dignity. I have support. I have courage. I have purpose! Because of Designed for Joy, I am able to press forward and pursue THE BEST LIFE possible for myself and my two boys!
”Designed For Joy is the best part of my life. It is the only place in my life where I feel at peace and happy. I don’t want to leave at the end of the day. It’s the only positive environment I experience in my life right now. I know I can share my struggles freely and not be judged.”
Explore Our Products
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We help artisans find confidence in themselves, learn to trust community, and to grow in their faith while working with Designed For Joy. Our goal is for artisans to transition to full-time work with marketable skills and a solid job reference.
We offer a 7-day work program with daily cash pay for women needing immediate funds and a 3-month program for those seeking work experience. In our Raleigh studio, these women handcraft beautiful leather handbags. They earn a competitive wage while working in a safe, supportive space.
Get Involved!
Volunteers enrich their lives and ours by spending a little time in our studio. Join us!
"I volunteer to learn, to interact with others, to serve, and to find purpose. I volunteer to help build this joyful community and to be a part of lasting positive change."
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