Operation Come Home

Story

BeadWorks is a social enterprise operated by Operation Come Home (OCH). OCH provides programs, supports and services to prevent homeless youth from becoming homeless adults.

The Beadworks program offers street involved and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-30 a safe and creative space to design, craft and sell one of a kind jewellery. The jewellery is sold at our store front and studio space at 150 Gloucester as well as at art and craft fairs throughout the City of Ottawa. When a youth sells a piece of jewellery they receive 75% of the sale - the remaining 25% goes back into the BeadWorks Studio.

BeadWorks uses jewellery as a means to offer youth a supportive space, a creative outlet, a healthy meal, social opportunities, business skills and is often used as a stepping stone for youth to access other supports and services . When a customer purchases a piece of jewellery from BeadWorks they are enabling us to continue to offer these supports to youth.

Over 200 youth have been involved in BeadWorks since it was founded by Judi Tedlie in 2008. It is a pleasure to witness our youth discover their creativity and to see the positive impacts BeadWorks has had on their lives.

OUR BEAD BANK

The majority of BeadWorks supplies are donated, deconstructed and reused in our bead bank, where our youth transform them into new one of a kind creations. We are always grateful to receive donations of beads, charms and findings from supporters who have heard about our program. We are always looking for more donations! If you have any supplies or old jewellery that you would like to donate to BeadWorks then please drop them off at or studio and shop at 150 Gloucester or get in touch with Jennifer Cook at [email protected] or (613) 230-4663.