Cleveland Sews is a workforce development and wealth-building sewing collaborative that stitches together Northeast Ohio’s social fabric, thereby creating jobs, increasing stability, and building hope in community members who have faced hardship. Cleveland Sews brings together employers, trainers, and apprentices to work collaboratively, bridging vulnerable populations into sustainable work positions within the sewing industry. As a collaborative hub where the art of sewing creates sustainable incomes for economically disenfranchised adults and youth, Cleveland Sews supports job placement, entrepreneurial ventures, and develops educational programming. Cleveland Sews uses a trauma-informed lens, implementing strategies for therapeutic outcomes which are foundational to removing barriers to learning, self-sufficiency, and workforce development goals. The program honors the five principles of trauma-informed care by creating an environment of safety; transparency and trustworthiness; choice; collaboration and mutuality; and empowerment. Successful pilot projects have included work with Cleveland’s refugee & immigrant communities, at-risk youth, older adults, and other vulnerable populations. The collaborative model invites participants to: LEARN about sustainability by effectively learning how to maintain & repair garments; REFINE craftsmanship via knowledge and skill-building; ENGAGE in innovative product creation that impacts their local community; CONNECT with others to form meaningful relationships; and BUILD hope—within themselves and rippling out.