At Make-It Springfield, creativity builds confidence, connection, and opportunity. Every day, people of all ages and backgrounds walk through our doors to learn new skills, share ideas and discover their capabilities. From youth growing their leadership skills and makers launching small businesses, to refugees rebuilding their lives and neighbors stopping in to fix their bikes, Make-It is a place where everyone belongs.
Your gift keeps this creative energy alive—especially for those who might not otherwise have access to it. Make-It serves a diverse, predominantly low-income community in the heart of Springfield. Our materials, space and social networks are made accessible to everyone, regardless of income or experience.
Donor support makes it possible for us run programs that help people build opportunities for themselves and their community.
Here’s some stories about people who have thrived with Make-It.
Erika C. came to Make-It in early 2025 on her mother’s suggestion. She came to sew and develop her denim fashion line. Soon after, she joined other makers in a local fashion show. We could see Erika’s growing commitment to her craft and connection to the Make-It community and, before long, she started volunteering to help with our Family Art Lab. With the growth of our Youth Programs, Erika accepted an opportunity to become a mentor, working with elementary school students and earning a stipend for skill sharing and program support. Erika is part of our Leadership Program that nurtures confidence and provides growth opportunities.
In 2024, we hosted a pilot 8 week Sewing Skills class for women supported by the Jewish Family Services Refugee Resettlement program. As the photo shows, the experience was exhilarating and highly rewarding for the women and our Make-It community. JFS has asked Make-It to further develop craft education opportunities for their clients so we met with a group of women to discuss their interests. That meeting resulted in our upcoming Sewing & Market Education Program which will guide several different cultural groups in developing products and selling at local markets, contributing to our new neighbors’ self-sufficiency and adjustment in their new community.
Erica A. was inspired by a tech class when she was young and has dreamt of doing the same for others. She came to Make-It for support in implementing her ideas including her desire to refurbish old computers to give back to the community, to teach computer skills classes and for developing her new non-profit, Springfield.Community. With Make-It’s support, and Erica’s drive to create these community resources, all of the above came true! With our space and marketing resources, Erica’s is now leading hands on workshops like “AI Innovators” and “Computer Build,” as part of our Tech Education program—and both have waiting lists!
YOUR SUPPORT FOR CREATIVITY LEADS TO OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THESE.
Will you make a gift this Giving Tuesday?
💛 Donate online with a credit card and consider making it a monthly donation!
💼 Does your employer match gifts? Don’t forget to inquire!
📬 Mail a check to Make-It Springfield, 286 Bridge St., Springfield, MA 01103.
💸 Send your donation to our Venmo, @Make-It-Springfield.
📦 Visit our Amazon Wish List to add to our supply fund or purchase supplies.
📧 Email Marla Shelasky, Development Mgr., to discuss business sponsorship.
Thank you for your support!
