SACSS Celebrates Three Graduating Classes in Workforce Development Initiative

For the first time, SACSS on April 18 celebrated three graduating classes in its workforce development initiative, including a women’s tailoring class and English and computer classes designed to provide participants with vital skills.

Despite the gloomy, rainy weather, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of our graduates. They were beaming with excitement as they each received a round of applause while presented with a certificate of completion from our chief guest, Mukund Padmanabhan, founder and president of the Guru Krupa Foundation.

We were pleased to be joined by Mukund, a longtime SACSS supporter whose foundation played a prominent role in securing the SACSS Community Center. Our other special guests included SACSS Board Chair Devi Ramchandran; SACSS Treasurer Mysore Gandhi; SACSS Supporters/Volunteers Mercy Thomas and Baby Mathew; President of Kannada Koota New York, Badari Ambatti; Rakhi Aggarwal, VP and Global Head for Procurement Risk at Sanofi Pharma; and Sasha Revankar, Founder/CEO, One Minute Saree.

The graduation ceremony was a testament to SACSS’s commitment to empowering individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. 

Each participant in our third Stitch with SACSS class received a free sewing machine to start their own at-home tailoring business. During the 10-week, four-day program, immigrant South Asian women learn to create intricate patterns and designs using different fabrics and techniques.

Stitch with SACSS participant Jayshree expressed her gratitude to SACSS for helping her, and other women acquire the necessary skills to equip themselves with the tools and resources to flourish as entrepreneurs.

“When I heard about the program, I registered immediately,” Jayshree said. “I love that SACSS provides us with everything we need – from the sewing machine to business development support and a MetroCard because I’m currently unemployed, and it helps me.”

Since joining the program, Jayshree said she’s confident in sewing clothes for herself and her daughter, who also loves to stitch.

“I knew nothing about sewing at all. I’ve learned how to sew the basic standard and princess-cut blouse. Saree blouses are challenging, but they’re a rewarding garment to make. There are so many styles and patterns,” Jayshree said. When I go to the shops to buy a garment or fabric, I see the stitches and how they’re added.”

Meanwhile, students in our English beginner’s class have focused on enhancing their writing and communication skills, which helps build self-confidence.

One of our students, Olivia, who had difficulty reading, writing, and speaking in English, said she “loves the program because she understands more English and is “pleased and thankful to SACSS for helping her.”

Most of our computer class participants are beginners who learned how to use a laptop, navigate and use the internet effectively, and use email. Khemwantie, an alum of the second Stitch with SACSS graduating class, said it’s a significant accomplishment to learn how to use a computer without asking her children or grandchildren for assistance.

All three graduating classes are proud of their achievements and eager to apply their newfound knowledge in their future endeavors. We celebrate the success of our graduates and can’t wait to see them pursue their dreams!