Meijer donates $250K to Detroit-based Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center
Meijer has made a $250,000 donation to the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, a Detroit-based, national nonprofit organization.
ISAIC focuses on training the next generation of textile and apparel manufacturing industry talent through a curriculum that combines technical skills, soft skills and digital literacy. Their work, in partnership with local employers, creates pathways to sustainable careers for many who likely would not have those opportunities.
ISAIC launched in 2020 to tackle two major challenges in the sewn goods industry: the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of innovation in U.S. domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. Today, the organization benefits from the generosity of longtime Meijer partner Carhartt, which has provided the third floor of its flagship Midtown store, spanning approximately 12,000 sq. ft., as a dedicated space for ISAIC's operations. The space promotes worker equity and empowerment in its advanced apparel manufacturing facility, and the donation from Meijer will support ISAIC's ongoing advancement as it continues to raise capital to expand programming for more job creation and training.
"We are incredibly grateful to Meijer and their generous contribution to our mission of empowering people and transforming communities," said Jen Guarino, president and CEO of ISAIC. "This donation will immensely help us not only expand our space, but also increase our reach to connect with more individuals who are seeking new opportunities and skills in this growing sector."
The Midwest retailer's donation is part of its ongoing commitment to enrich lives in the communities it serves. Meijer has been a longtime supporter of education and workforce training in Detroit and across the Midwest.
"We are proud to support ISAIC and their efforts to create access to high-quality training and employment opportunities for the Detroit community," said Maureen Mitchell, regional vice president for East Michigan at Meijer. "ISAIC is making a positive difference in the lives of many people and contributing to the economic vitality of Detroit."
In celebration of their continued impact, ISAIC will host their inaugural honors event at The Madison Loft + Auditorium located on Broadway Street in Detroit on Thursday, May 2. The public event will be a night to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of apparel and textile manufacturing and recognize the donation from Meijer.