As I reflect on this past year, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t numbers, it’s people.
Women gathered in their homes. Laughter shared. Stories told in quiet moments. And as I think of them, I think of you, because this work is not just a program, it’s relationship. A thread connecting us across cultures and distance.
You may not be in the village… but you are present in every opportunity, every skill learned, every moment a woman begins to believe she is not alone.
Mothers are teaching daughters. Traditions are being preserved. Confidence is growing. And you are part of it.
With gratitude,
Debbie Tingley, Hands to Heart Director
With Your Help Hands To Heart Women’s Cooperative Continues to Gain Momentum
Thanks to your support, 2025 was a year of growth, skill-building and opportunities for the women in the cooperative. The program now operates in 8 villages with 119 registered artisans, including a new 23-member group in Mae Ra Ar Nai. Reflecting the trust the hill tribe villages have in the program; four additional villages have expressed interest.
We would like to share reflections on the past year with you, as well as a look ahead at how we will continue to work alongside our hill tribe members to achieve the most important goals they set for themselves – to make a sustainable income, to be strong role models for their children and to preserve their ancestral weaving traditions.
Meet the newest members of the Hands To Heart Women’s Cooperative. 23 women from the remote village of Mae Ra Ar Nai have joined and completed training in natural dying, product quality control and design.
Increasing Artisan Participation & Building Skills
In 2025, 37 artisans participated in paid production and 11 targeted trainings were delivered across five villages to 97 participants. Villages with advanced skills secured multiple reorders, reflecting consistency and reliable quality. The Cooperative’s primary product categories continue to include home décor such as table runners, tapestries), stuffed animals & ornaments and accessories such as scarves, shoulder bags.
Advanced Natural Dye Training significantly increased production efficiency by enabling multi-color dyeing within a single session. In addition to reducing labor time, expanding design flexibility, strengthening advanced groups in meeting evolving customer demand, this training generated an abundance of enthusiasm from the women. Two new sewing machines were placed in two villages, which will increase long-term production capacity.
Frequent reorders substantially contributed to skill refinement and lead to more consistent income flow. New designs for zippered coin purses, pencil pouches, square-bottom shoulder bags and wall tapestry were introduced. Newer artisan groups successfully completed first production orders, demonstrating foundational skill acquisition and market readiness. Several of the new items secured reorders within the same year reflecting improved quality control and buyer confidence.
Participation in some areas is uneven and will benefit from continued mentorship and peer exposure to high-performing groups. While transportation limitations reduced field monitoring to 1 of 3 target visits, multiple groups have requested increased in-person engagement, which reinforces that relational presence remains essential alongside technical training.
For many years, life for Mrs. Sumalee Manitkitwiwat was filled with hardship. Living in the remote village of Ba Kaeo, she and her family depended on growing just one crop each year like rice or strawberries. This left them vulnerable to changing weather and unstable market prices. When crops failed or prices dropped, there was no safety net. After her husband passed away, Sumalee carried not only her grief, but the full responsibility of providing for her five-member household.
When Hands to Heart Women’s Cooperative came to her village, things began to change. Sumalee joined the cooperative, took part in trainings, and stepped into leadership as co-chairperson of her women’s group. Through this opportunity, she began earning a steady income, bringing stability to her family and restoring hope. She recently shared, “I used to think I had nothing to offer. Now I can create something beautiful with my own hands, something that helps provide for my family.”
Most recently, Sumalee participated in HHWCP’s Advanced Natural Dye Training. She learned how to create a wider range of colors for her weaving using leaves, bark, and flowers from the forest, turning one color into many through natural, chemical-free methods. “This training means so much to us. We are excited to have more colors to work with and new ways to grow our income. Thank you for listening to what we needed and walking alongside us,” said Sumalee.
Market Development
HHWCP continued to diversify revenue streams across the US, Australia and Thailand in 2025. In the US, seasonal trends remain consistent with accessory growth in Q1–Q2 and gift and décor growth in Q3–Q4. Adding to craft fair and online sales, a pop-up event was extremely successful. In the Australian market, a new partnership was developed with the Armidale Girls Christian School. After selling out of their initial order, they have placed a reorder for 2026. In Thailand, core best-sellers remained stable and new small gift items performed well while overall sales were down due to reduced retail foot traffic.
Supporting Women’s Emotional Wellbeing
In 2025, Hands to Heart in partnership with a local Public Health Nurse, delivered training on mental health & community wellbeing, which expanded the program’s holistic impact by strengthening emotional resilience and referral awareness.
Mentorship
The program continues to come alongside the cooperative’s members to create and support spaces where their craft can be passed from one generation to the next. Spaces for mothers and children to share knowledge and learn together with their children. This mentorship, honors their culture, strengthens skills and ensures a future rooted in heritage.
Strategic Observations
Advanced training translated directly into production efficiency and reorders. Market diversification through sales in Australia and the US strengthen the program’s long-term sustainability. Investment in equipment expanded 2026 potential income for program members. Participation disparities require continued investment in mentorship and increased field presence is essential for relational accountability and performance monitoring.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
Our plan for the year ahead will focus on foundational training for new artisan groups, advanced sewing machine maintenance training, product innovation, increased in-country mentorship, engagement with Thai government programs such as OTOP and expansion of US-based monthly donor partnerships and market channels.
Your On-Going Support Has Lasting Impact
Your contributions are transforming lives. With your help, women are gaining skills, generating income and building confidence, while families and communities benefit from the ripple effect of this work. Thank you for walking with us – helping preserve traditions, nurture hope and create opportunities that change lives.
