I read about the Just Work collective over on Poppytalk last week, and I immediately knew I needed to write about them. Here’s why: I spend a lot of time talking about sustainable craft, but generally the focus is on the sustainable materials it is made from, not how the work itself is sustaining people, or sustaining community.

Just Work is a non-profit organization located in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada),
that gives people, often homeless or facing mental illness or addiction, a much-needed creative outlet. These people want to work, and through Just Work have a place to come, connect with people, be creative, and eventually gain skills that may help them re-enter the traditional work force.

From their website: The studio’s mission is to provide studio space, instruction, support, and employment opportunities for people in the neighbourhood who, due to economic or social barriers, have no access to a creative space.

I think we all know, especially as creatives, how frustrating it can be sometimes to not have any kind of outlet, to not feel like you are being productive, or contributing or helping yourself. Fostering creativity, giving people the chance to make something from scratch—with their own hands—and giving people a place to feel good about what they are doing—all of these are valuable, commendable contributions to the surrounding community, and the products coming out of Just Work are lovely, to boot. I am so happy to know that there are places like this out there. Does anybody know of any others?