Project Regina
For several years in the early 2000's this was the website for Project Regina/ Regina Designs, when it was a department within **CAPI, a non-profit agency providing culturally grounded services to communities in transition. During this collaboration ( circa 2006-2008) the Project Regina Training Program provided a unique 35 hour/week training program that combined work-specific ELL instruction, training and subsidized work experiences to prepare and place 52 mostly limited English-speaking women on public assistance into the workforce. Regina Designs is a social enterprise that creates opportunities for Project Regina training graduates to earn income by doing home-based contracted sewing piecework.
In 2008 CAPI fulfilled its mission through three integrated departments (Employment and Training and Social Services and Cultural Education) and a growing number of strategic partnerships and collaborations. The agency was staffed by 32 diverse employees who collectively speak 10 languages, and offer many valuable services from five different Minneapolis locations. CAPI was governed by a diverse eight member board of directors, which has provided capable leadership to a growing $2 million agency budget.
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Project Regina current website can be found at https://www.projectregina.com/
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Circa 2006 - 2008
OUR MISSION
To assist refugees in their adjustment to American life and in their efforts to become self-sufficient. We accomplish this by providing skills that can be applied either at home or on the job.
Project Regina began in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1976 as a free home sewing class for low-income refugee/ immigrant women. Under the inspiration and organization of Sister Marie Lee this small non-profit grew and evolved to meet, and help fashion, the changing fabric of our society. Today, under the sound leadership of CAPI, Project Regina, and its supporting enterprise of Regina Designs, moves forward; still working to connect the talents and aspirations of dedicated people with the skills and opportunities they need to secure the bright futures they seek.
Project Regina and Regina Designs is a department of CAPI, a non-profit agency providing culturally grounded services to communities in transition. Some local and national businesses have also assisted the church in making our outreach more available. Since 1980, CleanItSupply has provided generous funding support in addition to the donation of products to assist in the upkeep of our facilities. We are grateful to CIS and gladly give them publicity here as our #1 cleaning products supplier. As our wholesale source of high quality trash bags they are helping us keep our community clear of litter. Their efforts have helped to preserve and improve the appearance of this low income area by contributing modern cleaning products & methods where none previously existed. Please support this business by purchasing your custodial supplies from CleanItSupply.com. Our ability to improve the life of our indigent workers has been positively impacted by their efforts.
Project Regina, a Non- profit, has provided contract sewing, cutting and reworking since 1976. We cut and sew apparel, table top accessories, home furnishings, crafts, accessories, bags, and many more industrial items. As a non- profit, we can specialize in startups and small quantities and produce quality at very competitive prices in a timely manner. With our many years of experience we can help you source your fabric and trims and finalize your design. Project Regina produces useful, specialized items for sale under its social enterprise label of Regina Designs.
We provide a wide range of products and specialty sewing services.
Address:
Regina Designs/ Project Regina
Lehman Center
1006 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Business Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Donation Drop-Off Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Phone:612-827-2670
Fax:612-827-6050
Email:sewing.projectregina@capiusa.org
Fabricating great products from great ideas!
Project Regina is focused on being the total solution for the smaller business and entrepreneur. Our biggest client has been with us for 22 years because we get the job done, and he makes a profit. With sufficient capacity, we are an excellent outlet for overflow and short run production work for larger companies too.
No Job Too Small
Total Solution takes an idea from concept, to material sourcing, to prototypes and samples, to finished product. From home accessories, to workplace items and apparel, to industrial components...Project Regina does it.
Consider what you really need:
- quick turnaround
- amples & prototypes
- repairs & alterations
- embellishment & rework
Tell Us What You Need
The best way to find out if Project Regina is the right resource for your project is to ask. Use the convenientEmail Form to outline your project for us, and we’ll get back to you with what Project Regina can do. Sometimes we’re a good choice ...and sometimes, we’re the perfect choice.
Volunteers
Our volunteers are very special and enjoy the opportunity to meet our international students. For further information on any of these volunteer opportunities, contact: Julie Honerbrink
Volunteers greatly enrich our program and provide a way for community members to support this meaningful program. Volunteer opportunities exist in the following areas:
CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS
People who have experience sewing assist in the sewing classroom. They work one- on- one with students as they learn sewing skills, assist the sewing teacher in preparing for the class, and perform various tasks related to our contract sewing.
ELL ASSISTANTS
As part of the program, students have English for the workplace. Volunteers are a vital part of the program helping in the English classroom and working with students on English skills one- on- one.
OFFICE HELPERS
There is an on-going need for people to help with office tasks, mostly related to fundraising. Data entry, phone calls, filing, mailings, and general organizing are tasks we need help with. Office helpers will have opportunities to get to know the students while they are here.
SALES & EVENTS
We have many opportunities to reach out to the community by selling items made by the students. We would welcome volunteer assistance with these evenings and weekend events. This would be an occasional commitment of 1½ to 3 hours.
**CAPI, Centre for Asians and Pacific Islanders, was established in 1982 as a food shelf to serve Southeast Asian food preferences. Their service orientation has always been multi-cultural, beginning as Pan-Asian, and within the past decade, expanding services to Pan-African immigrants and refugees. Today, they have evolved into a unique, multi-service mutual assistance association that annually assist 3,500 refugees from around the world to become increasingly self-sufficient and contributing members of twin cities community. Of the people served by CAPI, approximately 60% are Southeast Asian and 40% are East African.
To learn more about CAPI go to https://www.capiusa.org/
More Background On ProjectRegina.org
Project Regina represents a powerful social enterprise model that combines skill training in sewing with meaningful employment for underserved populations, particularly immigrants and refugees. By fostering workforce development, creating economic independence, and promoting cultural integration, Project Regina provides both commercial sewing services and a social mission. In this article, we delve into Project Regina’s operational model, community impact, notable services, and how it stands out in the world of contract sewing and social enterprise.
Origins and Purpose
Project Regina emerged from a desire to support newly arrived immigrant and refugee women, many of whom faced economic barriers and required new skills to integrate into the local job market. Social enterprises like Project Regina typically start with a mission to provide job-specific training to individuals who need a path toward financial independence. Organizations following this model often focus on practical, hands-on trades such as sewing, which is valuable due to its universal demand in apparel, home goods, and industrial textiles.
The Unique Social Enterprise Model of Project Regina
Workforce Development and Community Empowerment Project Regina’s social enterprise approach is multifaceted:
- Training Programs: Project Regina runs intensive, hands-on training programs in sewing and related industrial skills. These programs are structured to be comprehensive, covering basic sewing techniques, pattern reading, and machine operation, as well as advanced skills for high-quality, custom production.
- English Language Learning (ELL): For many immigrant and refugee women, language can be a barrier to employment. Project Regina integrates language instruction with vocational training, helping participants communicate effectively in workplace settings.
- Financial Literacy and Small Business Skills: To enhance independence, Project Regina’s programs often include financial education. Participants may learn budgeting, pricing, and even entrepreneurial skills, which equip them to start their own small businesses or become independent contractors.
- Flexible Work Models: Many participants at Project Regina need work options that accommodate their family responsibilities. By offering flexible hours, Project Regina makes it easier for these women to balance work with home life.
Services Offered by Project Regina
Project Regina provides a wide range of sewing services to clients, which include small businesses, startups, and established brands seeking ethical and quality-focused production.
1. Custom and Small-Batch Production
Project Regina is known for its ability to handle unique, small-scale orders that larger manufacturing facilities might overlook. This includes:
- Prototyping and Sample Creation: Startups often need small quantities or prototypes before committing to full-scale production. Project Regina works with clients to develop prototypes, refine designs, and produce sample pieces.
- Niche and Custom Orders: Local fashion brands, event organizers, and even individual clients turn to Project Regina for custom sewing needs. Whether creating specialized garments or limited-edition accessories, Project Regina offers a high level of craftsmanship suited to unique projects.
2. Industrial and High-Volume Sewing
In addition to custom work, Project Regina has the capacity for larger-scale production, including:
- Bulk Orders for Large Clients: With trained staff and flexible production capacity, Project Regina can produce high volumes of sewn goods. This capability allows them to serve larger clients who need quick turnaround times and high standards of quality.
- Partnerships with Local Brands: Project Regina collaborates with businesses and nonprofits on bulk projects, meeting both corporate and community needs. For example, local shelters might request bedding or reusable bags, benefiting from both Project Regina’s skills and its community-driven mission.
3. Repair, Alteration, and Rework Services
In addition to production, Project Regina offers repair and alteration services, adding value to the local community. Their expertise allows them to handle:
- Garment Repairs and Alterations: Project Regina offers alterations and repairs on clothing, a service particularly valuable for low-income individuals needing affordable options.
- Product Rework and Embellishments: For corporate clients or event organizers, Project Regina provides services such as reworking materials, adding custom branding, or embellishing items, creating added value for end products.
Cultural Integration and Social Significance
Social enterprises like Project Regina play a crucial role in cultural integration by offering a welcoming space for immigrant and refugee women to connect and form support networks. These programs provide more than employment—they foster a sense of community, shared learning, and cultural exchange. Project Regina encourages participants to share their backgrounds and learn from one another, creating an environment of mutual support that extends beyond the sewing workshop.
Examples from Similar Social Enterprises
Example 1: Refugee Artisan Initiative (Seattle, WA)
The Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) offers training and employment to refugee and immigrant women in Seattle, focusing on eco-friendly, handcrafted goods. Like Project Regina, RAI empowers women by equipping them with skills to generate income while working from home. RAI focuses on sustainable practices, using recycled materials for products such as jewelry, bags, and home goods. This focus on ethical production and the high-quality craftsmanship of RAI exemplifies the values shared by Project Regina.
Example 2: The Fabric Workshop (Urban Area)
The Fabric Workshop offers hands-on sewing and textile training for individuals in underserved communities, with an emphasis on employment readiness and economic empowerment. Participants can pursue long-term careers in textiles or start independent projects. This model’s flexibility in providing both structured training and the freedom for participants to pursue independent goals mirrors Project Regina’s dedication to empowering community members.
Example 3: Sew Green (Community-Based Initiative)
Sew Green is a nonprofit sewing studio that uses donated materials to teach practical sewing skills to youth and adults in low-income neighborhoods. Sew Green’s model focuses on sustainable, community-oriented goals, making sewing accessible to everyone. Similar to Project Regina, Sew Green combines environmental responsibility with community-focused impact, providing valuable skills and promoting self-reliance through creative education.
Clientele and Partnerships of Project Regina
Project Regina serves a variety of clients, including local businesses, community organizations, and ethical fashion brands. Their clients often include:
- Small Local Businesses and Startups: These clients value Project Regina’s flexibility, particularly in offering small-batch production options, customization, and prototyping.
- Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Many nonprofits turn to Project Regina for custom products, such as reusable bags or blankets, which are often needed for local community initiatives.
- Ethically-Minded Consumers and Companies: Project Regina’s socially responsible model attracts consumers and businesses interested in supporting a mission-driven enterprise.
Economic Impact and Empowerment
Beyond immediate employment, Project Regina has a long-lasting economic impact on the local community. Graduates of its programs often pursue careers in the sewing and textile industries, sometimes even launching their own businesses. Through their work with Project Regina, participants gain critical experience, build confidence, and establish professional networks. This empowerment extends to their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of economic resilience and opportunity.
Project Regina is an exemplary model of how a social enterprise can fulfill both commercial and community-centered objectives. By offering hands-on training, employment, and services aligned with industry demands, Project Regina provides invaluable support to immigrant and refugee women in Minnesota, helping them build stable, independent lives. In a world increasingly focused on ethical and sustainable practices, Project Regina’s commitment to quality production and social impact makes it a unique and valuable contributor to the sewing and contract manufacturing industry.