Impact Change Report 2024
Creating Connection, Crafting Change
A Message from Our Founder
Dear Love Welcomes Supporters,
Since 2017, Love Welcomes has been about more than providing income — it’s been about reshaping how the world sees and supports refugee women. That’s why we’re proud to share our first Change Report — because real change isn’t just impact; it’s about shifting narratives, building resilience, and responding creatively to challenges.
We began by creating dignified work for refugee women, offering a path to healing through income and belonging. Over time, we’ve learned that change also comes from listening — through our weekly Problems with Solutions circles, women identify challenges and co-create responses. And while we continue to face larger Puzzles — war, policy, housing, and discrimination — these forces do not define the women we serve.
The global scale of displacement is staggering. In 2017, 68.5 million people were displaced. By 2023, that number reached 117 million — and continues to rise. In response, we’ve grown by forming friendship-first partnerships with artisan communities in Lebanon, Ukraine, Thailand, Fiji, India, and the West Bank.
This report highlights how your support creates:
- Economic stability through creative work
- Trauma-informed care rooted in trust
- Emergency relief when it's needed most
Thanks to you — and to partners like Levi’s, Joseph, U2’s The Edge, and Margo Selby — our community now includes over 20,000 global supporters. Together, we are weaving a future where refugee women are not just welcomed, but truly empowered.
Change is happening — because of you.
Thank you for helping build a world where every woman feels safe, supported, and seen.
With gratitude,
Abi Hewitt
Founder, Love Welcomes
Our Impact to Date
Since 2017, Love Welcomes has directly supported more than 150 refugee women through orders and partnerships. In 2024, our extended partner network employed 218 displaced women — contributing to a global total of more than 700 women impacted since our founding.
2024 Highlights:
- 6 partner countries
- 70+ women supported directly through Love Welcomes
- 218 displaced women employed by partners in 2024
- 600 items sold in 2024 and over 10,000 items sold in support of refugees to date.
- One global movement rooted in dignity and design
Our Global Partner Network
Each of our partners brings deep local insight and culturally grounded methods of healing, empowerment, and economic growth.
2024 Partner Employment Breakdown:
- Rim N Roll (Lebanon): 25 women employed (70+ supported to date)
- Love Rises (Ukraine): 16 women employed
- ETHICGOODS (Thailand): 40 women supported (survivors of trafficking)
- Rise Beyond the Reef (Fiji): 45 women employed
- WORK+SHELTER (India): 45 women employed
- West Bank Ceramics Cooperative (Palestine): 8 women employed
Women Empowered
- 70 directly supported via Love Welcomes orders
- 218 displaced women employed by partners in 2024
- 150+ employed directly through Love Welcomes since 2017
- 800+ women supported globally through all partner collectives since beginning.
Every woven piece, every sale, and every story contributes to the fabric of freedom and resilience. With Love Welcomes support, we support access to markets fueling the important employment for women displaced.
Living Wage & Economic Security
Love Welcomes is proud to be Living Wage Certified, ensuring that every product we create contributes directly to dignified income for displaced women. While many brands pay only 30–50% of the retail price to producers, we commit to returning around 60% of each sale directly to the women who make our goods. This higher standard supports consistent wages, financial independence, and long-term stability — proving that ethical, sustainable production isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.
Revenue Distribution:
Economic Impact Highlights:
- Partners report up to 40% of annual income from Love Welcomes
- Women have doubled their income through consistent orders
One partner shared: “Love Welcomes helped us keep our workshop open through the winter.”
Community Impact from Reinvested Funds
Palestine
- Monthly shared meals and gatherings for women artisans
- Meals for displaced families in Need.
- Support of an Active Mind Center offering reformer Pilates, arts and sports for children
- Emergency health support to Al-Ahli Hospital
Ukraine
- Trauma therapy access for displaced women
- Ongoing mental health support in a war zone
“Our team was formed by people for whom knitting was just a hobby. However, we have now grown to the level where we can independently create entire collections and new products, follow trends, and adapt to customer preferences. We distribute roles within the team based on each member’s skills and strengths. Our biggest dream is the end of the war—and to finally get a good night’s sleep, as Iranian drones fly over our heads every night. Each participant in the project has the opportunity to showcase their strengths, demonstrate leadership, and embrace the power of soft skills. Our greatest motivation is new orders because we take pride in knowing that wonderful people around the world appreciate and purchase our handmade creations. We truly value your support.” – Love Rises, Ukraine Partner
Women’s Well-Being & Social Healing
- 100% of partners report improved self-confidence
- 80% say peer relationships and support networks have strengthened
- 3 new community healing circles launched in 2024
Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
- Over 150 kilograms of upcycled or repurposed materials used for our product
- Zero-waste embroidery and ceramics and fabric donation loops
- Upcycled Fabric or Environmentally certified fabrics used.
- Low-water dyeing and eco-conscious packaging practices
“Our scraps go to a local maker who turns them into patchwork toys — nothing is wasted.”
At Love Welcomes, we began with upcycling lifejackets and collaborate with this with our new partners. We aim to support our partners in this effort.
Market Access & Global Growth
- Featured by Levi’s, Joseph, and ethical boutiques
- Expansion of B2B and e-commerce platforms
- Focus markets: USA, UK, and Europe (DTC), ethical gifting platforms, and advocacy groups like Search for Common Ground Love Anyway shop and Thistle Farms
Transformation Stories
Artisan, Lebanon
Sultana joined our program during a difficult time, struggling to find work. With Love Welcomes' support, she learned embroidery skills and gained confidence. Steady income helped her support her family, start saving, and even grow her own small business. Today, she is financially stable and teaches other women, sharing her skills and giving back to her community. Her story shows how meaningful work can change lives.
Artisan, Thailand
Before I came Ethic Goods, my life did not have hope, happiness, or peace but when I started to work here, I received not only a job but love as well. I felt my life improved, and people loved me. I was given an opportunity to work and have value. I learned forgiveness and how to help others. My life has more peace and I have many friends here. My life is full of happiness. When I come to work, I don’t feel like I’m working but that I’m coming together with family and friends, and helping each other.” This woman has been a part of the program for four years.
Artisan, Fiji
“"My name is Karalaini, and I am from the Yakete district. This program has been of great help to my family financially. It has enabled me to support my son's education and family needs. In the past, I used to sell at the market and could not purchase some of my household furniture and equipment, such as an oven, fridge, and sofa. I used to bake using the open fire outside, which is always challenging during the rainy season. Now, I can bake anytime I want since it is just a press of a button. Also, this program has brought us together as a couple since my husband has understood how beneficial it is to our family. My husband assists me with cutting and stuffing the Tagane doll and even weaving the vau to make the bag for the doll."
Artisan, Ukraine
When I knit, I feel gratitude and love because God has given us the opportunity to do something that brings value to people. It allows us to escape the heavy reality of the war we live in.
Partnership & Advocacy
We are grateful for the partners who believe in refugee-led creativity and community resilience.
Supporters include:
- Levi’s
- Joseph
- Margo Selby
- U2’s The Edge
- More than 20,000 global donors and advocates
These collaborations help refugee women share their stories and earn dignified incomes through the power of design. We are looking to scale that impact with new artist and retailer collaborations.
Be Part of the Change
When you support Love Welcomes, you’re not just funding jobs — you’re investing in belief. You help women feel safe, seen, and part of a future filled with possibility.
Help Us Go Further
In 2025–2026, we aim to:
- Expand to 10+ partner collectives
- Scale trauma-informed training and mental health support
- Fund flexible community responses
- Lead global advocacy campaigns for refugee inclusion
We’re Looking For:
- Donors ready to scale impact
Donate - Retailers who want ethical partnerships
- Artists & storytellers to elevate refugee voices
- Advocacy partners to help change the narrative
Partner with us
Join us in creating a world where refugee women are not just welcomed — they are woven into the fabric of a thriving future.
Because together, we don’t just imagine change — we create it.