MERCHANDISE CATALOGSupporting Cooperatives for a Better Future

Artisan collecting pine needles in San José de Cusmapa

Fabretto Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to empower children and their families in Nicaragua to reach their full potential, improve their livelihoods, and take advantage of economic opportunity through education and nutrition.

Fabretto believes that helping families and communities to improve their quality of life is essential to building a better future for children in Nicaragua. Fabretto supports local cooperatives by finding buyers and linking to markets, primarily in the United States and in Nicaragua. In addition, Fabretto offers educational opportunities to help small businesses and cooperatives grow and thrive, thus improving the economic conditions for children and their families in target communities.

In this catalog, you will find a selection of products offered by the Nicaraguan cooperatives with which Fabretto works, including jewelry, ornaments, baskets, coffee, and more. You will also have the opportunity to read about the artisans and farmers whom your purchases support.

Introduction

100+WOMEN now earn a steady

INCOME

$110,000SALES IN 2014

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FABRETTO’S IMPACT

Reflects total impact of Fabretto cooperatives as a whole

About Fabretto

For over 60 years, Fabretto has brought hope and opportunity to underserved urban and rural communities throughout Nicaragua. Fabretto offers five key programs that respond to community needs and create sustainable positive change: Early & Primary Education; Secondary Education; Food Security & Nutrition; Vocational Education; and Community Well-being & Development. Today, Fabretto’s programs benefits approximately 19,000 children and youth at Fabretto Education Centers and at more than 250 public schools.

The Nica HOPE Cooperative

In 2008, Deanna Ford founded the Nica HOPE Project as an education and vocational training program to enable children and youth to receive

an education while providing alternative sources of income and skills training. The project targeted families that lived and worked in the municipal trash dump of Managua, known as “La Chureca,” where children often dropped out of school to work and earn little more than two dollars a day.

After the dump’s closure in 2011, families relocated to the Acahualinca and Villa Guadalupe neighborhoods. These communities remain extremely vulnerable, and families continue to face chronic malnutrition, poor health, and few educational and economic opportunities.

Today, Fabretto’s Education Center in Acahualinca and the Nica HOPE Project support over 2,500 children and young adults with education, nutrition, and vocational programs.

In 2012, after four years of developing business and technical skills, the artisans of the Nica HOPE Project established their own Nica HOPE Cooperative, becoming collective owners of the business. The cooperative continues to develop with consistent in-country and international sales, attendance at local fairs, and exchange programs with other cooperatives in Central America.

Nica HOPE currently has 20 members, and students at Fabretto’s Education Center are also involved in creating jewelry through after-school programs. In 2014, Nica HOPE produced over 10,000 pieces of jewelry.

The cooperative has a direct impact on the lives of youth and women in the community, allowing them to earn a living with dignity and improve their families’ living conditions.

Maura’s Story

With the Nica HOPE cooperative, artisan Maura has developed the confidence and skills she needs to reach a better future. Here, Maura models the Bird’s Nest Set in robin’s egg blue.

This hard-working mom of three has overcome incredible challenges, from her childhood in a rural village to struggling to support her daughter as a young adult in Acahualinca. Three years ago, her life changed when she joined the Fabretto community and found a path to economic opportunity through the Nica HOPE cooperative.

While her daughter attended Fabretto’s enrichment classes, Maura took jewelry making classes through the Nica HOPE project. Today, Maura has grown into a committed member of the cooperative and earns an income through producing and selling jewelry.

With this financial security, Maura has been able to pursue her passion: teaching. “Since I was 6 years old, I have always dreamed of being a teacher,” she said. “Teaching is a calling.” Her dream is coming true. With a Fabretto scholarship, she is earning a teaching degree while working as an enrichment teacher in her community.

For Maura, her success means a better future for her children. “I want to show my children who their mother can be,” Maura said. “With Fabretto, I have been growing while my children grow too. They are proud of me.”

Bird’s Nest - Necklace & Earrings Set

Jewelry The Nica HOPE Cooperative produces a wide range of beautiful jewelry, ornaments, and more. Each piece is hand-crafted by the artisans. To see the cooperative’s most recent designs, please visit fabretto.donorshops.com.

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Thin Wire Bangle Available in periwinkle, red and crystal

Zig Zag Earrings Spiral Ring

Mallory Necklace - AmberVisit our website for more colors options

Cross Pendant Necklace

Triple Wrap Bracelet Available in sea blue, red and mint green

Single Bead Macrame Bracelet

Turquoise Macrame Bracelet HOPE Macrame Bracelets

Sunflower Macrame Bracelet

Artisan Juan Francisco models a macramé bracelet in

bright colors. Juan has participated in Fabretto’s programs

his entire life. Today, he’s an active member of the

cooperative and studies Business Administration at a local

university.

MacraméBracelets

Recycled Jewelry

Featured Products

Stacking BraceletsNica HOPE artisan Linda shows off the cooperative’s new Stacking

Bracelets.

Linda, who lives in Acahualinca, is one of the newest members of the

Nica HOPE Cooperative. With support from Fabretto’s programs, she

has developed skills in the arts and stands out for her creativity. In

addition to jewelry making, she also enjoys visual arts.

Each Stacking Bracelet features beaded charms with spiral detailing.

With five color options, you can mix and match to express your

individual style, or switch it up to complement different outfits.

With these creative upcycled designs, the Nica HOPE

Cooperative turns trash into beautiful, wearable treasures.

Recycled Pop Tab Bracelets

Recycled Leaf EarringsRecycled Flower Earrings

Paper Jewelry

Orquidea, age 17, is one of the youngest artisans in the Nica HOPE

cooperative. She has already shown her entreprenurial spirit and

great dedication to her work. Here, she is modeling the Mother of

Pearl Pendant Necklace.

Orquidea’s StoryWith support from Fabretto’s programs and the Nica HOPE Cooperative, Orquidea is transforming her life. At first glance, Orquidea may seem like a shy teenage girl, but when we sat down to interview her, her self confidence shone through. She was excited to tell us all about her experiences and achievements in the cooperative with Fabretto’s support. In her own words:

“Two years ago, I was enrolled in computer classes through Fabretto’s vocational education program at the San Francisco Center. I began participating in the jewelry workshops, and I didn’t hesitate for a second to become a member of the Nica HOPE cooperative, which was forming at that time.

Today, I’m a legal member and speaker in the cooperative. I’m also in my first year of the university majoring in Journalism, and thanks to the income I earn with our business, I can cover my university expenses.

I’m still pretty young, but I think up to this point, I can say that I’ve learned to fight to achieve my goals, and I’ve been successful.”

The Nica HOPE Cooperative produces wire wrapped ornaments for holidays and for decorating the home. To see more styles and colors of ornaments

and crosses, please visit fabretto.donorshops.com.

Ornaments

CrossesThese gorgeous wire crosses are made with a thick alpaca wire base and wrapped with hundreds of natural stone chips. The 5” size makes this cross perfect to hang on the wall or to give as a gift to a loved one.

Christmas Tree Snowflake Dove Heart of GoldRed and Pink Hearts

Through the Nica HOPE Project, children and

youth have the opportunity to learn jewelry making

techniques and other vocational skills.

Cusmapa Women’s Basket Cooperative

In 2002, Fabretto helped start the Pine Needle Basket initiative, which is now a legally incorporated, self-standing and successful cooperative made up of women from Cusmapa and the surrounding rural communities.

The cooperative’s story began when five local women started working with a Fabretto/JVI volunteer, Manon Cypher, to learn the traditional art of creating pine needle baskets. In this remote mountain village, women often have little education, few marketable skills, and even fewer opportunities for gainful employment. As the women developed their craft, Fabretto helped them market and sell the baskets as a source of income to support their families.

Today, the cooperative has flourished into a thriving, independent business with steady national and international sales. The cooperative allows the women flexibility to work on their own schedule and earn based on their personal production, often two to three times more than a typical local salary. Through the cooperative, women have developed leadership skills, confidence, and pride in their abilities as artisans.

To purchase baskets, please visit fabretto.donorshops.com.

Multicolor Coasters (available in variety of color options).

A unique addition to your home that is sure to impress any guest.

Spiral Pine Bracelet - Blue Thread

Artisans in the Women’s Basket Cooperative in the mountains of

San José de Cusmapa

BASKETS

Rectangle Basket

Multicolor Twist BasketRainbow Spiral Basket

Jewelry Box Mini Basket

Pencil Holder

Trivet

Round Basket with Border

Bread Basket

Basket with Handles

Basket with Twisted Border

Maria TeresaBASKET CoopErATivE AdminiSTrATor

“When you purchase our products, you are helping entire families as well as the development of our community.”

Artisan Profile: Maria Teresa Pine Needle Basket Cooperative

San Jose de Cusmapa, Nicaragua

Age: 38

Children: 2

Position in Cooperative: Administrator

Maria Teresa was born in San Jose de Cusmapa, Nicaragua and has lived there her entire life.

She has been involved with the Cooperative for 10 years, working in quality control for the first nine,

and recently taking on the position of administrator. When she started with the cooperative, she had

only finished her third year of high school but was able to attend evening classes and in 2008, fin-

ished high school. Since then, she has gone onto receive a technical certificate in accounting.

When asked what she likes most about being a part of the cooperative, Maria Teresa replies: “I

like working with other women; spending time together, growing closer, and looking for solutions to

our problems at home.” She uses her income to purchase her school uniforms, notebooks, and other

supplies for her two daughters.

Maria Teresa hopes that in the future the cooperative can expand their business and open up a

small hotel. She jokes that the women aren’t getting any younger, and that eventually they won’t be

able to thread their needles. Her hope is to pass the cooperative on to younger artisans, and have

other options when she is older.

“When you purchase our

product, you are helping

entire families, as well as

the development of our

community.”

For more information about the Pine Needle Basket Cooperative, visit www.fabretto.org

Maria Teresa, member of the Cusmapa Women’s Basket

Maria Teresa was born in San Jose de Cusmapa, Nicaragua and has lived there her entire life. She has been involved with the Cooperative for 10 years, working in quality control for the first nine, and recently taking on the position of administrator. When she started with the cooperative, she had only her third year of high school but was able to attend evening classes and in 2008, finished high school. Since then, she has gone onto receive a technical certificate in accounting.

When asked what she likes most about being a part of the cooperative, Maria Teresa replies: “I like working with other women; spending time together, growing closer, and looking for solutions to our problems at home.” She uses her income to purchase her school uniforms, notebooks, and other supplies for her two daughters.

Pine Earrings

Pine Star Ornaments

5 de Junio CooperativeThe 5 de Junio Cooperative provides 300 coffee farmers from the northern mountains of Nicaragua with access to markets and training. The small towns in this region are nestled among rolling mountains with a cool climate ideal for growing coffee, but lack of opportunity and historical struggles have led to high levels of poverty, with most families surviving on less than two dollars a day. The cooperative generates opportunities for small farmers to break the cycle of chronic poverty in their communities by producing and selling high quality coffee.

Since 2006, Fabretto has worked with the cooperative to improve profits for families in the region by selling the high quality coffee to U.S. clients. In addition, Fabretto provides local children and youth with access to quality primary, secondary, and vocational education programs. Fabretto and the cooperative have collaborated to create the School Grounds Coffee brand, and, with the help of partner Mayorga Organics, sell the coffee online. Proceeds from sales benefit local education programs and community development. To purchase coffee, please visit fabretto.donorshops.com.

Ground and whole bean coffee is available for purchase. Fabretto offers discounts for bulk purchases. Please e-mail orders@fabretto.org for more information.

Gisella’s Story

Gisella Hoyes is a grandmother of three and a founding member of the 5 de Junio Cooperative who grows coffee on 3.5 acres of land in Las Sabanas, Nicaragua. From the beginning, Gisella believed in the possibilities that the cooperative would bring to her community. She recalls, “Before, we were working alone. I said, the cooperative will help us advance and help us support each other. We [the farmers] are organized now. The cooperative is a respected, prestigious organization.”

Through the cooperative, Gisella has increased profits, accessed new markets, obtained fair trade certification, and received training in organic cultivation. Her family has benefitted as well; her children and siblings are also members, and her three grandchildren receive support from Fabretto’s education programs. With the cooperative on her side, Gisella has been empowered to support her family as they continue to move toward a better future.

5 dE JUnio CoopErATivE mEmBEr

Carpentry ProgramThe carpentry program was one of Fabretto’s first initiatives to empower youth in San José de Cusmapa, a rural village in northern Nicaragua. In 1996, the carpentry workshop opened at Fabretto’s Education Center. This program has two goals: first, to teach youth carpentry skills, and second, to generate income and economic opportunity for youth and families in Cusmapa.

At the workshop, youth receive training in building furniture, creating small wood pieces, and other woodworking techniques. This training helps them to create quality products from pine, the most common tree in Cusmapa.

To ensure that youth are prepared to take advantage of economic opportunity, Fabretto also provides instruction in entrepreneurship and small business development.

To help the carpentry program grow its sales, Fabretto has developed partnerships with international clients, such as the non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children, to facilitate bulk sales. In addition, carpentry products are available for purchase in Fabretto’s online store, fabretto.donorshops.com

Flower HookJonah and the Whale Puzzle

Creche PuzzleNoah’s Ark Puzzle

Other Products & Cooperatives

Fabretto continues to actively search for new opportunities to empower youth and their families to improve their livelihoods. In recent years, Fabretto’s Rural Secondary Education program (called SAT) has focused on teaching youth about entrepreneurship, business development, and sustainable agriculture.

The SAT Program’s philosophy is founded on “learning by doing,” and students are encouraged to put their knowledge into practice by forming small businesses or agricultural projects. To support their activities, the students have formed two SAT Student Cooperatives, which manage and distribute micro-loans. As a result, Fabretto students have established more than 100 income-generating initiatives over the past several years.

To support community development and promote “learning by earning,” Fabretto connects youth and their families with socially-conscious corporate partners, such as Burke Agro and Mayorga Organics. Through these partnerships, farmers receive training in sustainable methods of cultivation and increase their income by selling high quality products for export. As a result, rural families are able to improve their quality of life and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities. Products sold include honey, dried tropical fruits, and organic chia. To learn more about purchasing these products or forming a partnership with Fabretto, please contact orders@fabretto.org.

Organic Chia Seeds

Honey Dried Tropical Fruits Fabretto SAT Student

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THANK YOUMany thanks to our photographer, Jakub Okon

Visit our online shopat www.fabretto.org