UCOF SEWING HUB
This three-month program supports immigrant women in building confidence, creativity, and practical skills in a collaborative learning space. Participants will gain hands-on training in:
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Basic hand-sewing techniques
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Foundational sewing machine skills
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Alteration and garment adjustments
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Upcycling and re-fashioning techniques
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Pattern drafting fundamentals
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Introduction to the business of fashion
Whether you are new to sewing or looking to build on existing skills, this nurturing, empowering environment offers the tools and guidance to help you grow and thrive.
READY TO BEGIN?
Join the waitlist for the next UCOF Sewing Hub in Saint John or Moncton by e-mailing admin@ucof-fashion.org.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Are you an experienced sewing professional with a passion for strengthening communities? We're looking for volunteer instructors & mentors who are willing to share their knowledge with school-aged children and newcomer women. As an instructor or mentor, you will have the opportunity to contrubute to building a welcoming and inclusive community while inspiring creativity and confidence through teaching basic sewing and garment construction skills.
EMPOWERED STRIDES
Through mentorship, creative expression, and community-building, Empowered Strides empowers youth to walk in their truth and thrive - on and off the runway.
Empowered Strides is a dynamic initiative designed to equip and uplift youth of diverse backgrounds through fashion modeling, confidence-building, and cultural expression workshops. By blending creativity with personal development, the project offers participants meaningful tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience and self-assurance.
More than just a program, Empowered Strides fosters healing, empowerment, and identity formation. It inspires youth to embrace their individuality, take pride in their heritage, and find their voice. Most importantly, it gives them the courage to stand tall, speak with confidence, and walk proudly, both on and off the runway.​​
Target Group:
Youth aged 12–17 and 18-30 years from immigrants, Indigenous, and racialized communities
Why Join Empowered Strides?
Empowered Strides is an 8-week program created to support youth from diverse backgrounds as they navigate the unique mental, social, and cultural challenges they face. This program helps youth build confidence, embrace their identity, and develop resilience in the face of:
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Mental health struggles, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma—especially for refugee youth
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Social pressures, such as bullying, discrimination, loneliness, and peer influence
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Cultural barriers, including language challenges, underrepresentation, identity confusion, and intergenerational conflicts
To sign up for the Empowered Strides program, e-mail director@ucof-fashion.org
UCOF SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM
UCOF School Outreach Programs are designed to inspire the next generation through creativity, cultural awareness, and practical skill building. We partner with schools to deliver engaging, age-appropriate experiences that foster inclusion, confidence, and hands-on learning for K–12 students.
Our offerings include:
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In-school cultural competency workshops that promote respect, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding
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In-school sewing classes that introduce students to foundational design and garment construction skills
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Summer sewing classes focused on creativity, self-expression, and practical vocational training
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Through these programs, students not only develop technical abilities but also gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and collaboration. By blending cultural education with hands-on vocational exposure, we create learning environments where creativity thrives and every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Interested? Connect with us via email at admin@ucof-fashion.org
PAST EVENTS
The 2025 Summer Workshops for Kids were delivered as part of the UCOF School Outreach Program, hosted at the Stone Church and the Nick Nicolle Community Centre. These sessions provided young participants with a creative, inclusive space to explore self-expression, build confidence, and develop practical skills through hands-on learning.
In parallel, UCOF also hosted a Sewing Workshop for Newcomer Women at our USTATION office, creating a supportive environment where participants strengthened technical sewing skills, fostered peer connections, and advanced pathways toward economic empowerment and creative entrepreneurship.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Nancy Bonilla and Bisola Ogundowo for facilitating these impactful and thoughtfully designed workshops. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to community building were instrumental in the success of each session.
These programs were made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC), whose investment continues to enable UCOF to deliver culturally responsive, community-centered programming.
Stay tuned for 2026 Summer Workshops, as we build on this momentum and expand our reach to support even more children, youth, and newcomer women through creative learning and belonging.
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