Statement of Faith
To glorify God and honor Jesus Christ; to share the Truth of God's Word in a culturally relevant way; and to provide sustainable jobs to community members in lower income areas of the Triangle and to others located overseas.
After years of encouraging and supporting women's artisan groups around the world through international mission work, God made it clear that the women in our community had the same vulnerabilities and were in need of a safe, living wage work option.
To this day, we continue to offer prayer and devotion before the work day. We host and send mission teams domestically and internationally.
All are warmly welcome to work and serve with us.
Costa Rica Mission Trip with Praying Pelican Missions, photo by Photography Eh
How our ministry is impacting women...
Jamie
Jamie battled anxiety and insecurity. Change made her uncomfortable. She thrived in our positive, nurturing environment and went on to Full Time work as a Seamstress sewing uniforms. Jamie is a monthly donor and advocate for our programs.
“When I first started working at Designed For Joy a little over a year ago, I didn't know that it was going to be more than just a job to make ends meet... But as it often turns out, it is exceedingly more than we can ask or think when God is in it.
It's around that table that we create our brand, But while we are busy making earrings and bags and wall hangings, God is working and creating bonds between us as women trying to figure out life together.
I would love to stay and never leave to be honest... But The doors at DFJ are revolving doors. It's not meant to walk through them and never come out. In His timing, He wants us to spread our wings and fly again... To try again with Joy.
God already knows the next artisan that will take a seat at DFJ... Just as He already knows my next steps... And there is so much beauty in that.” - Jamie
Facial
Facial came to us newly sober but feeling broken and unsupported. While with us, she gained confidence, worth, and direction. She successfully moved on to become a Recovery Coach Specialist and we are honored to have her serve on our Board of Directors, bringing her valuable voice to our table.
“God opened a door for me. He made a path and said ‘Take it.’ and I took it and I’m so grateful for this place.” - Facial
Lauren
Lauren was a DFJ Artisan for several months. She needed a reminder that she can be a valuable part of a productive workplace. She has returned to be a donor and volunteer, pouring into the next woman behind her.
“It sure does feel good supporting a ministry that supported me. They supported me shortly after my diagnosis when my confidence in the workplace was at an all time low. My disease tried to strip me of my joy. They reminded me that I am in fact "Designed For Joy" So, the reason I support them is more than skin deep, it's HEART DEEP!” - Lauren
Additional testimonials
"When you feel like you've been a failure all your life and then you've got people saying 'girl I am so proud of you' and people look up to you, it makes everybody else seem like a liar."
“I love how prayer was the foundation of our workshops. Some days I remember we even paused work if there was a new special prayer need that arose. These prayers brought us together.”
”DFJ 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.”
"Working with DFJ is a blessing for me. It gives me the positive energy to keep going the rest of the week. Sewing is an amazing feeling for me because I haven’t even touched a sewing machine before working here, but Kristen has worked a miracle for me and I can sew whatever I want with the fabric. I can’t believe I can sew all these bags now. I am so proud I did it."
"God is working and creating bonds between us as women trying to figure out life together.”
“Through laughter and tears, we find a common bond, And we leave better and stronger each week as we grow in His word with daily devotion. Hearts are also healed as we learn to trust ourselves to Him again.”
“What I like about being here is that I get peace of mind away from the chaotic things I face out there everyday.”
Become a Monthly Donor to provide immediate employment for women in crisis.