By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – This past week the YWCA in McLean County launched a new social enterprise program.

Labyrinth Made Goods was created with the specific goal of helping women who have experienced incarceration rebuild their lives.

Director Kate Brunk said people who experience incarceration are a group who traditionally face significant barriers in finding and retaining employment.

The first products being introduced are give hand filled 100% soy candles: Spring No.57, Summer No.23, Autumn No.84, Winter No.65, and Serenity, the signature scent. More products will come along as they expand.

During a paid apprenticeship the women will work alongside staff to grow the business as they learn a myriad of skills including sales and marketing, project management and other business administration practices.

“We’re going to have more women in our community who have the tools and skills that they need to not only succeed themselves but also contribute to our community.” said Labyrinth Made Goods director Kate Bunker, “So many of our clients are interested in starting their own businesses. So just imagine how many more small women owned businesses we could have in our community that are employing other folks, maybe other folks who have experienced incarceration and are giving them that chance to rebuild their lives and succeed.”

The scents are all original and were created with the help of staff, volunteers and labyrinth clients.

Heart of Illinois can be reached at [email protected].