Ability Weavers is considered a social enterprise. The business takes all profits and puts them back into the business through paying and hiring additional Weavers. Tom’s Shoes is another example of a business considered a social enterprise, giving away one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.
We caught up with Ability Weavers last summer, shortly after their one-year anniversary. Employees who are hired are faced with a learning disability, which can often hamper their ability to find a job. Beryl Bartkus started Ability Weavers in order to help those with disabilities earn money through working. An added benefit for these employees is gaining confidence, being part of a team, and finding support among peers.
The business continues to grow, adding new products, new looms, new employees, and offering products in new locations. Members of the public are also invited make their own rug as part of a three-hour class.
Weave On
Each Tuesday and Friday Weavers make products to be sold or custom orders placed by patrons. The public is invited to stop by on these days during business hours and watch part of the process. Anyone interested in making a table runner or rug is encouraged to sign up for a “Weave Your Own” class. The class is great for someone wanting to learn the art of weaving or those interested in the process. Individuals or groups are invited to begin weaving Thursdays anytime between 2pm and 6pm or Saturdays between 10am and 2pm. It take about three hours to complete a project.
Looms are already set up so the tedious task of threading them is done. Participants can pick the colors to be used when weaving and create their own design. All materials are provided during a Weave Your Own class. A weaver is available to answer questions and help if needed. Members of each class will leave with a completed 22”x36” rug or 4’ table runner. The $45 price of the class goes toward paying wages for Weavers.
Registration for a class is suggested. Walk-ins are welcome however, looms will be given to those who have registered with any remaining being filled on a first come basis.
Learn to Twine
On February 3 from 1pm-3pm a Learn to Twine class will take place. According to Bartkus, “Twining is a skill that allows you to create a unique woven rug on a ‘Twining Loom’. This is a great way to use up extra fabric or even re-purpose older fabrics like sheets or curtains that are no longer used.” Looms to make rugs and larger items usually take up space. A twining loom is smaller, with some able to fit in a lap while using.
Various twining looms are available for sale at Ability Weavers. The looms come in four sizes depending on what is being created. The items which can be made with each size are a pot holder, place mat, rug, or extra long rug. The looms are handmade by Steve Hicks from Lake Odessa.
The February twining class is $20 and registration is required. Participants should also bring their own loom or purchase one at the store before the beginning of class. During the class students will learn how to use their loom to begin the process and be comfortable working on their own. Projects will be started but will need to be finished at home. Those interested who can’t make the class or want to bring information home after instruction can stop in and pick up a booklet written by Hicks. The book explains the steps and includes photos of the process.
Giving Back
Owner Beryl Bartkus volunteers all of her time to the business. She feels strongly about being able to help those with disabilities find meaningful employment. Her goal is not to make profits for herself. She aims to hire more employees. “Our primary purpose is to employ people. Most of our Weavers have autism or other developmental disabilities. That is the true meaning of ‘Weaving a purpose’. All profits are used only to hire more Weavers.” she says.
Supporting the business through purchasing products and taking classes benefits all who are involved. The patron brings home a unique item, Weavers are employed and take pride in their work, and a local business is able to make a difference in the community and the lives of those in need.
Weavers may be in need of finding employment due to their disabilities, but their work ethic and abilities should not be overlooked. Bartkus finds a job for those with varying abilities. She also challenges her employees to grow through taking on harder weaving projects, teaching other Weavers, helping with Weave Your Own classes, and more. Some Weavers may soon be trained on how to schedule class registration and other administrative tasks required to run the business.
Bartkus is proud of her Weavers. It’s clear to see when she talks about them. She has seen self-confidence, pride, and much more produced by her Weavers than merely products available for sale. Lowell is fortunate to have a place with a focus on offering those with special needs a meaningful job. In the coming months, Lowell’s First Look will highlight some of the products Ability Weavers offers. Special, custom orders are also available for those wanting specific dimensions and colors for an item and typically take about two weeks to complete, but can vary depending on custom order workload.
If you’ve never stopped in to Ability Weavers to see their products or witness their mission, make a point to visit the store. Located at 215 W. Main St. in historic downtown, the store is open Tuesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 2pm-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm with classes sometimes running past closing time. To register for a class stop in or call 616-929-0211.
All photos with the exception of the featured image are courtesy of Ability Weavers and used with permission.
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