A local social enterprise is helping refugee women establish themselves in Newfoundland and Labrador through sewing.

Yesterday, Newbornlander in St. John’s was on the receiving end of $260,000 from the provincial government, and another $465,000 through the Northpine Foundation for their Sewing Hope program.

The two-year initiative gives refugees sewing and English language training, which the province says better positions them for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The first group to participate in the program began this month, and will complete the initiative by next summer.

CEO Constanza Safatle Ferrari there is also a mental health aspect to sewing.

She says for her team the sewing machine offered them a type of “healing,” allowing them to work on their mental health. She says the end goal is for participants to get jobs or pursue further education.