Project: Fabric of Change

Organization: Home Again Furniture Bank

FIG Fund Grant: $5,000

Fabric of Change is a community-based upholstery and sewing initiative led by Again & Again Furniture and Décor Thrift, a social enterprise of Home Again Furniture Bank. With support from the FIG Fund, the project addressed a critical gap in furniture repair and waste diversion while creating meaningful skill-building and employment pathways for women—particularly newcomer women—in the Northeast Avalon region.

Project Snapshot

Fabric of Change integrated upholstery and sewing into Home Again’s existing furniture repair and upcycling operations. The project extended the life of salvageable furniture, reduced landfill waste, and supported women interested in developing trade skills, gaining Canadian work experience, and exploring entrepreneurship in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Impact & Outcomes

Environmental Impact

  • Diverted an estimated 3,670 pounds (1.66 metric tonnes) of furniture and materials from landfill

  • 50+ furniture and soft-goods items reupholstered or repurposed

  • Creative reuse of salvaged materials into new products, including pet beds and cushions

Employment & Skills Development

  • Women participants gained upholstery and sewing skills through hands-on learning and mentorship

  • Increased confidence, technical ability, and understanding of Canadian workplace expectations

  • Provided meaningful work placements contributing directly to Again & Again’s operations

Community & Intergenerational Engagement

  • Created shared learning spaces for seniors, youth, and newcomers

  • Fostered social connection, skill transfer, and community belonging

Participant Feedback & Testimonials 

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Common themes included appreciation for hands-on learning opportunities, the welcoming and supportive environment, and the value of gaining practical skills that could lead to future employment or entrepreneurship. 

Testimonials: 

  • “I am truly grateful for the support and opportunities you have given me during this time, and I appreciate all the valuable experiences I gained from this project.”
  • “Thank You for being part of my success story in the year 2025, I am really grateful for everything”

Lasting Impact

With FIG Fund support, Home Again established a secondary upholstery station equipped with essential tools and materials, strengthening long-term capacity for women-centred, circular-economy programming. Fabric of Change demonstrated the powerful role of upholstery and sewing in waste diversion, economic empowerment, and community building.

FIG Fund investment played a key role in making this initiative possible—and in creating lasting social, environmental, and economic impact across the Northeast Avalon.