Detroit – The holiday season starts in the city center on November 7 DetroitMany customers want unique, handmade gifts.

We all know there’s a story behind many of these local stores, and Bags to Butterfly has a good story to tell.

The small shop goes beyond selling bags and accessories.

Located on the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm campus, the Butterfly House supports women released from prison and helps them find the opportunities they need to start over.

“It’s hard to find a job, especially when you’re incarcerated for a long time,” said Joyce Berry, a program participant who knows firsthand the challenges of reentering society after incarceration.

After serving her sentence nearly 20 years ago, Berry now finds purpose and peace at From Bags to Butterflies, where she helps create handcrafted items.

Bags to Butterflies’ mission is to offer women a second chance (a “Transformation”) as they transition from prison back into society.

The 12-month paid “Butterfly Program” aims to reduce recidivism by partnering with local companies to provide financial literacy training, health coaching, and future employment opportunities.

For Joyce Berry, this program was transformative.

“He helped me a lot,” Berry said. “To relax. A peaceful environment. It’s just something I love to do. This is something I created. It gives me great satisfaction that someone is willing to buy it.”

Bags to Butterflys provides more than job training; giving these women hope and a community they can trust.

“When you get out of prison, you need someone you can trust,” Berry said. “You can’t do this alone.”

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