Project Free 2 Fly partners with Lee through clothing drive
Photo by Brittany Barker.
Project Free 2 Fly is a local nonprofit organization based in Cleveland which seeks to equip women for long-term success through the art of sewing and jewelry making. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Free 2 Fly partnered with the Lee community this semester to host fundraising events on and off campus.
Free 2 Fly works with rehabilitation programs in the Cleveland area to identify women ready to transition from recovery to a sustainable life. Many women leave rehabilitation programs with no home, car, bank account or job. Free Fly’s goal is to assist these women by acting as a bridge from their old lives to their new ones.
Women who coordinate with Free 2 Fly can work in the program and acquire practical skills through hard work while earning a daily wage. Classes such as cooking, fitness and finances further develop healthy lifestyles for these women. The program is an 18-month timeline that allows women to work, access mentorships and get involved in the local community.
“Before Free 2 Fly, when I would purchase handbags, wallets or shirts, I wouldn’t put much thought into how it was made,” said Free 2 Fly Communications Manager Ellie Topinka. “However, when I purchase items from Free 2 Fly, I know that my money is helping a single mother pay for rent or a young woman pay for her groceries.”
Each of the items, such as purses, earrings and wallets sold by Free 2 Fly, are handcrafted by ladies working to overcome their past and move forward.
“I like how redemptive their mission is for womanhood by teaching women and encouraging them with the love of Christ,” said senior psychology major Taylor Hill.
On March 2, Cross-Tharp Hall hosted a “Shop Free 2 Fly” event. The residence hall chose to partner with the organization this year and hosted the event to raise money for the organization. Women across campus were invited to donate clothing to the event. The organization resold each donation for only a dollar, with the event in total raising $1,110.
“It was incredible to see the amount of support that was shown and how many people were able to contribute to one organization,” said junior public administration major Paige Guikema.
In continuing to support its mission, Free 2 Fly will soon host an event called “Old 2 New.” Women in Cleveland can donate clothing to be sold at a lower cost, with all proceeds going to the organization. While the event has been postponed due to COVID-19, the organization is planning to reschedule.
However, in response to COVID-19, the organization pivoted to making free fabric masks for medical workers and then for the community.
“The heart of Free 2 Fly has always been to serve and support our community. Even in these challenging times we have asked ourselves how we can continue to do so.” said President of Free 2 Fly, Haley Johnston. “We have been asked to shift our production to focus on fabric masks.”
While the masks do not meet the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the organization is making the masks as a gift to those in need. According to the Free 2 Fly website, the masks are being made especially for people “undergoing chemotherapy and still going into facilities for treatment, caregivers to the elderly and sick, people who are still being asked to report to work, and healthcare workers who could use them.”
Free 2 Fly is currently out of masks, but more information about the organization can be found at their website.
