Established in 1996, the Women’s Craft Cooperative (WCC) creates a collaborative work environment where women obtain job readiness skills, learn craft skills, as well as elements of merchandising.  As members of the Cooperative, women have access to opportunities for training and education in areas that both complement the needs of the Cooperative and offer career growth for the individual.  For some women, the Cooperative provides a welcome part-time paid work opportunity.  For others, participation will act as a spring board to higher education and specialized training as they seek employment elsewhere.

The button brooch, and other jewelry items created by the Cooperative have proved to be a tremendously popular.  Over the last three years, tens of thousands of WCC products have been sold – through national catalogs, at craft fairs, to corporations and through retail stores.  Today, more than 30 stores sell WCC products, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C.  Marketing WCC jewelry has provided a meaningful outcome for WCC participants, and has provided a steady stream of income for project expenses.  Last year, 100% of project expenses were paid for through the sales of WCC products.