Many Hands is excited to announce the partnership between Many Hands and Vi Bella, two organizations working together to provide life-transforming job opportunities in Haiti. Together, Many Hands and Vi Bella recognize the need for sustainable employment opportunities in the Pignon area and are partnering to provide these opportunities.
Pictured above: Tim Brand, Many Hands CEO, poses with Vi Bella staff
Vi Bella, established in 2011 after founder Julie Hulstein had a transformative experience in Haiti, is a social enterprise and job creation ministry empowering artisans in Haiti and Mexico. Through training, they master crafting jewelry, sewn goods, home decor, and Christmas ornaments, earning good wages for themselves and their families. In a tight-knit community centered around Christ, they support one another through all circumstances. Vi Bella also partners with existing artisan groups, providing locally sourced, eco-friendly materials to amplify their impact and foster sustainability. With a belief in purposeful and beautiful lives, Vi Bella embraces brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, offering practical support and unwavering faith.
Pictured above: Vi Bella staff cuts fabric to prepare for sewing
On June 6th, the partnership officially launched through the Better Together event in Sioux Center, highlighting the vision for this joint effort. Almost $100,000 was raised to fund a new Vi Bella artisan center on Many Hands’ campus in Pignon, Haiti. Since then, training has taken place with four existing Vi Bella artisans traveling from Port-au-Prince to give the training. Seven new artisans are working full-or part-time after the training in Pignon.
Pictured above: The first Better Together event in Sioux Center in June.
Upon reflecting on the work accomplished so far, Julie said, “The Many Hands leadership team has been incredibly helpful in getting this off the ground. I want to give a special “thank you” to Christi Gabhart, who has been invaluable in making this work. We look forward to being a small piece of the overarching mission of Many Hands, which is currently doing amazing Kingdom work. We have already seen some beautiful results of joining together.”
Pictured above: Christi Gabhart, U.S. Lead of Ministry & Benevolence, poses with Vi Bella Staff
The provision of these job opportunities in Haiti has far-reaching benefits. The ripple effects of these job opportunities extend beyond the individuals directly employed, positively impacting families and entire communities as they spend their income in their local economy.
Both Many Hands and Vi Bella are thrilled about this newly formed partnership, looking forward to the transformative growth it will bring to the lives of artisans in Haiti. It is not merely for creating jobs but to foster a more secure future for the artisans and their families. It’s a stepping stone towards self-reliance and financial stability, further contributing to the local economy.
As we continue to work hand in hand, we are excitedly anticipating how this partnership will flourish, not only in producing beautiful, quality jewelry but, more importantly, in paving the way for life transformation and community empowerment. The long-term vision of this partnership is a testament to our belief that we are indeed better together.
About Many Hands:
Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life transformation. Established in 2008, the organization aims to ignite generosity, grow community, and take people on IMPACT journeys to carve a new, better path to life. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through its operations in the Caribbean, IMPACT Trips serving in Abaco, Bahamas, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa
Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.