Re:new sees new customers after moving to downtown Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN – Re:new, a nonprofit organization that provides training and employment for refugee women in America, is seeing a steady stream of new customers after opening Nov. 9 in the former Flour Barrel Bakery at 483 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn.

"It has been exciting for us, the exposure of a whole new clientele," Re:new Executive Director Susan Tripi DeLano said.

The bakery closed in April 2015.

Re:new previously was located at 250 Pennsylvania Ave. in Glen Ellyn, in a building that formerly housed the Scripture Press bookstore and manufacturing facility. DeLano said the new location gives the organization better exposure.

Refugee women are employed as artisans at Re:new, and they sew bags and accessories made from recycled textiles.

Along with seeing new customers, Re:new also has received a warm welcome from neighboring businesses.

"Our neighbors have been very supportive and interested in what we do," Re:new Development Director Beth Johnson said.

Volunteers donated their time to help with the move. Flooring, light fixtures and carpeting also were donated.

In addition, a fundraising campaign raised $40,000 toward the $50,000 cost of the move.

"This truly is a community investment," DeLano said.

A grand opening for Re:new's new space is scheduled for early 2016.

Re:new was founded in 2009 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2010. Since 2011, more than 120 refugee women have received training or employment at Re:new.

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Know more

Information about Re:new is available at its website, renewproject.org.