Mission Statement
Craftworks Society strives to promote adult health by providing a craft-therapy program which offers individuals working to overcome physical disability and/or mental illness the opportunity to increase self-esteem, personal growth and creative skills, while providing them supplemental income through participation.
The Craftworks Program
Through our program, participants receive volunteer-prepared craft kits which are delivered to their homes. When completed, these items are sold in our society’s shop in Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as at conventions and craft fairs. We have approximately 70 participant members, and although their health concerns sometimes place limits on the amount of energy that they can devote to participation, the quality of workmanship is very high.
Volunteers are the backbone of Craftworks and are responsible for creating kits for our clients. Volunteers are given a pattern for a product, for example, a hand puppet. They choose the material and notions needed for that product and cut out pieces in sets of 12. Kits are then carefully checked for completion before going out to the client. Approximately 61 volunteers devote their time to cutting out the craft kits that go to our clients.
Brief History
Since 1966, Craftworks has provided meaningful work for Vancouver adults who are unable to seek and maintain regular employment due to physical challenges and/or mental illness. Innovative programming includes personalized regular one-on-one support at home as well as diverse community partnerships.
Funding and Governance
Craftworks receives funding from Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Gaming, the Vancouver Foundation and from various private donations. With this support, Craftworks has been able to provide services to clients and products for our customers since 1966.
Craftworks is guided by a Board of Directors.