April is a month of blossoming flowers, warmer weather, and the transition from the long days of winter. Spring is a time for new beginnings, personal reflection, setting intentions, and entering a new chapter. This month RAI experienced this in real-time, after moving back to our MakerSpace, we celebrated with our First Stitch Grand-Reopening Reception. What an event - special thanks to all the supporters who were able to attend! We gathered, we toured, and the City of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson ceremoniously cut the red ribbon, symbolizing RAI entering it's new era and the celebration of things to come.
Thank you to all of the distinguished guests and friends of RAI who gathered to mark this milestone. Together, we also raised over $70,000 in support of our capital campaign and continued mission. The reception served as both a celebration and a reminder of what is possible when community comes together with shared purpose.
GiveBIG 2026: Early Giving Starts Now
GiveBIG takes place on May 5th, but early giving is already open.
This statewide day of giving supports nonprofits across Washington, and your support helps Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) continue providing skills training, employment opportunities, and sustainable production work for refugee and immigrant women.
Every gift directly supports paid training, dignified work, and the creation of upcycled, market-ready products.
You can give early today and help RAI build momentum leading into May 5th. Give Here.
Earth Day Field Trip: Learning Through Connection
RAI recognized Earth Week by welcoming 14 students from the Northwest School for a hands-on visit focused on upcycling, recycling, and the circular economy. We love to share our story with the community!
Students toured RAI and joined in a few activities—stuffing pouches and making dog toys—which quickly became a highlight of the visit. Here are some of the reflections from the school on their experience:
"I hadn't thought about how hard the immigrant experience must be for someone immigrating to America with limited or no English speaking skill, especially when their life/job revolves strongly around language and expression." — Student
“We spent the rest of our week reflecting on the special time we had at RAI... The students kept making the fun (and hard!) dog toys that you showed us how to make. We hope to keep connecting with you and work at RAI in the future.” — Isabel Constanzo, Educator
If you are interested in booking a group tour, and participating in a team building, hands on learning activity - let us know!
A big thank you to our production team for creating this unique, fun, experiential event for young people in our community.
Mercer Island Chamber Presents: Sustainable Fashion Show
What an amazing event! If you missed it - RAI participated in the Mercer Island Fashion Show! Check out these photos - and if you are interested in purchasing custom, upcycled denim like these one of a kind jackets — let us know — we are taking orders!
Coming Soon: Mending & Alterations at RAI
We’re excited to announce that mending and alterations services are coming soon to RAI. This new offering is designed to extend the life of garments through thoughtful repair and alteration, while continuing to center sustainability and community impact.
As we prepare for launch, we are also beginning to welcome a small group of first clients to help shape and refine the service in its earliest stages. Their feedback will be instrumental as we build something that is both practical and aligned with our mission. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening.
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We look ahead with gratitude and excitement for all that is still to come. If you are interested in learning more about Refugee Artisan Initiative's newest products, check out our website today.
With gratitude,
The Team at Refugee Artisan Initiative
