Located in a tiny little shop in historic downtown Wylie, Hope’s Gate is a Wylie-based non-profit whose efforts impact people around the globe. Every time you purchase something from this unique store, you’re helping someone build a better future for themself.
Hope’s Gate was started in 2016 by founder and Executive Director Patty Bauman. Administrator Kendra Medina says, “Our mission is to bring hope to orphans, victims of human trafficking and the world’s most vulnerable. We do this through vocational training and educational support. Beautiful, handmade items are then sold in our boutique in Wylie, Texas, with all profits benefitting our mission.”
The website shares the details of their story. “In 2018, Hope’s Gate began a project in the Middle East, as the overwhelming needs of refugees came to our attention. The jewelry project is now active in two countries in the Middle East, and offers income generation to those who have fled their homes, often from life threatening circumstances. The jewelry project gives safe and fulfilling work, keeping them and their children out of the grueling field labor which leaves them unprotected and at risk of sexual exploitation.”
Doing Business in Wylie
You can find the shop at 113 N Ballard Ave in Wylie, Texas (you can also shop online!). It’s tucked in between a hair salon and a clothing boutique. The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the shop is how beautiful everything is! The shop is full of handmade items from artisans around the world. When you buy something from Hope’s Gate, you’re getting a unique product that has big impact (this is a great place to shop for gifts!).
“Each person working in our project receives a fair wage for the items they make. The products are then sold in the USA and the profits are given back to the shelters, safe houses and toward the education of our artisans. In 2018, seventeen students were sent to college with full scholarships.”
Kendra says, “Wylie has a small town feel despite how much it has grown. People watch out for each other and businesses support each other. We are nonprofit and 100% volunteer run. We are a small business with big reach – we bring a little bit of the world right here to Wylie.”
The Future of Hope’s Gate
“We love being in downtown Wylie and hope to be here many years, while still continuing to grow, and spread our global impact. When you shop at Hope’s Gate, you not only get a beautiful, high quality product, but you directly impact lives all over the world.”
