March & Ash/Red Thread Project Collaboration Provides Inmate Training
San Diego based cannabis retailer March & Ash has partnered with The Red Thread Project which is ran by Poli Diseños in partnership with the State Penitentiary System Baja California to provide business and vocational skills to female inmates at Tijuana’s CERESO Femenil (Tijuana Female Correctional Facility Tijuana.)
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An initiative that provides incarcerated women with valuable sewing skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, Red Thread Project blends their community-focused values with Red Thread Project’s mission, they aim to create lasting positive impacts both locally and internationally, offering these women the tools they need to rebuild their lives and support their families upon re-entering society.
In 2017 Lic. Roberto Moreno, Director The Red Thread Project was watching a news program about the conditions at El Hongo. “How does a woman in prison put herself into a position to succeed after prison?” he mused to his wife, Araceli Molina Cortes as they watched.
“7 years ago, we were watching a news report on a local channel showcasing a textile company and its products being manufactured within the Hongo 2 penitentiary. My wife and I discussed the possibility of expanding our business by supporting “Population Deprived of Liberty”. (PDLs) with a new trade. Part of the project is to collaborate with companies operating outside the prison walls, and furthermore, assist the PDLs in building a family business through this new trade in the textile industry.
The 2 year application process began in 2017, and was hampered further by a change in Mexican leadership and the pandemic. Finally in 2022 their application was approved.
Cortes began visiting inmates, learning their situations and determining participants’ viability. Inmates with 3-4 years remaining were given priority, and once admitted, began the curriculum.
Curriculum
Business skills, along with industrial sewing training on 3 machines make up the bulk of the lessons. Inmates learn that home-based businesses can formally connect with local chambers for personal finance guidance. Home-based businesses are ideal for inmates, so they can re-establish bonds with kids and eliminate a latch key scenario.
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March and Ash
Once situated, Red Thread Project brought in various vendors seeking everything from chef’s jackets to little league uniforms to Arco Gasoline Safety uniforms. Spencer Andrews, Public Affairs Director, says: “Some folks from March and Ash met the folks at the Red Thread project when they were raising money together to help Jamul and Tecate little leagues. That’s when we learned about the Red Thread project and we asked how we could help them. This was the result.” Additionally, March & Ash, has begun contracting The Red Thread Project for its apparel needs, including this San Diego themed ball cap.
Local cannabis advocate and Olas Media podcaster Dr. Leroy Brady, hosted an episode about Red Thread Project noting “The Red Thread Project not only changes lives but, also saves families.”
From the Red Thread Project
MISSION:
Employ and train female inmates in the
areas of pattern making, cutting, and
sewing, providing them with the necessary
knowledge to start their own business,
with the goal of reducing the rate of
criminal recidivism.
VISION:
Provide purpose-driven products to socially responsible customers, as a socially responsible company that offers employment, training, and fair wages to female inmates in the Tijuana prison (CERESO Tijuana – women’s penitentiary).
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