Click Here to Read Full Article
TOUCH A HEART NEWSLETTER | JUNE 4, 2025
Sewing New Futures
From left to right: Wendy, Project Manager at Innovate Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC); Camille, Owner of Aloha Cut + Cloth; participants Millie, Denma, Kimmi, and Tasha; trainer Karen; participant Melissa; and Melissa’s mother, Ruth—gathered for the first meeting of the pilot textile and apparel manufacturing program.
Our apprentice Melissa and intern Tasha are gaining hands-on experience in textile and apparel manufacturing through a six-month pilot program. This collaborative effort between the Hawai'i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), Lanakila Pacific, Aloha Cut + Cloth, and Touch A Heart supports individuals who are formerly incarcerated, in recovery, or living with disabilities.
"Last year's manufacturing conference underscored a clear demand for skilled labor from non-traditional talent pools," said Wendy, project manager at HTDC's Innovate Hawai'i division. "This presents a significant opportunity to connect Hawaiʻi's untapped labor sources with the needs of our local textile and apparel manufacturers."
Melissa and Tasha are two of five women selected for the program, training three days a week at a workspace in Honolulu. "The participants are learning a basic, fundamental set of skills that blend both technical training and workplace readiness," said Karen, the program's trainer. "By the end of the program, they'll be well-prepared to contribute effectively in both the technical and interpersonal aspects of a manufacturing environment."
Camille, owner of Aloha Cut + Cloth, said her company joined the pilot to help build the next generation of skilled workers. "To truly reinvigorate the industry, we couldn't just offer services—we also had to help build the next generation of skilled workers," she explained. "What stood out most to me about the participants was their eagerness to learn and develop a new skill. Both were incredibly grateful for the opportunity."
At Touch A Heart, foodservice has always been a pathway to rebuilding lives and rediscovering self-worth. That's why this program is a natural extension of our mission. Whether in the kitchen or at a sewing machine, we believe in offering meaningful work, transferable skills, and the opportunity to grow.
We look forward to Melissa and Tasha's progress as they sew new futures—one stitch at a time.