Social Mission
Makers on a Mission
We welcome resettled refugees and help them achieve economic self-sufficiency through dignified skills-based employment.
"We have 40 million forcibly displaced people and 20 million refugees, the greatest number of uprooted people since the Second World War.”
We can’t ignore those 20 million refugees who have been forced from their homes and are unlikely to ever be able to return. Refugees desperately need our help reestablishing safe and productive lives and together we can help these deserving and honorable people thrive.
At Knotty Tie, we know that refugees are not a burden; in fact, refugees have an abundance of skills that are in short supply in our country and their abilities have a positive impact on our lives, business, economy and community. Even more simply put; At Knotty Tie Co. we care about others and we honor the dignity of humans. That’s what makes us who we are.
Training & Education
We provide employment opportunities for refugees that match their existing skills - this way we can quickly help them achieve economic self sufficiency and overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. While we often start with basic sewing skills, we want refugee staff to learn valuable skills beyond sewing so they can ultimately merit higher pay, take on more challenging roles within the organization, and experience
growth in their careers.
Learning English
Refugees’ success in the workforce is largely attributable to their English language proficiency. We reimburse for english classes and help navigate community resources.
Skills Training
We set aside time each week for training refugee staff to advance their sewing, graphic design, manufacturing, technology and management skills.
College Assistance
We want refugees to get degrees — and we all know just how costly that can be. That’s why we provide bonuses for staff who complete college courses.
Employee Compensation
Our refugee employees are an integral part of our company and are treated like the dignified humans they are. We pay not what the market dictates, but what we deem is a living wage and what we believe is needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency. This way refugees are able to provide for themselves and their families, and to invest in a bright future for themselves and their children, all while minimizing the need for public assistance.
Living Wages
Minimum wage is not a livable wage, especially in Denver. This is why we’ve raised our standards to keep up with the actual needs of our employees.
Employee Ownership
The fruits of labor should be shared by all those who create it - which is why we've set aside 30% of the company's ownership for employees.
Flexible Schedules
Flexible scheduling maximizes earnings potential for our refugee staff by helping those attending school or raising a family to still be able to work full-time hours.
Employee Health & Wellness
We believe that it is essential for all persons to have access to affordable health care. A company should also take an interest in the health and well-being of its employees by actively promoting balanced and healthy lifestyles. We offer generous benefits to support all of our staff and do our part in maintaining a healthy life-work balance.
Health Benefits
Employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance available for all employees with the majority of the cost subsidized by our company.
Fitness & Transit Benefits
We reimburse our employees for their monthly fitness class or membership expenses, as well as reimburse any public transit expenses, like bus or rail passes.
Paid Time Off
We provide 18 days of vacation and 7 paid holidays for all employees each year so they can maintain a healthy work-life balance.