Refugees Becoming Candlemakers
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
A social enterprise in Washington state is helping newly arrived refugees rebuild their lives by providing meaningful work making sustainable candles. Relume was founded after its creators saw how difficult it was for refugees to find jobs due to language barriers, limited local work experience, and a lack of professional references. The company hires refugees to hand-pour candles while also paying them to attend English lessons during the workday, helping them build language skills, confidence, and an employment history. Employees earn an income, gain valuable job experience, and receive references that can help them secure future careers. The business has also created a strong sense of community, with volunteers teaching English and families gathering for shared meals. Today, Relume ships its eco-friendly candles to customers in 40 states, demonstrating how a simple business model can create lasting opportunities for people starting over in a new country.
Image via Relume
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