From Hunan Province,
Tinnan Village, age 51

"My name is Li and we are hill farmers. There's little farmable land and the quality of the soil is poor. ... I have four daughters: the oldest is working in the city but barely earning a livable wage, the other three are still in school. My husband is unable to work. ... Hence, I was overjoyed when Lily offered me this opportunity. ... By making these crafts, we can handle our basic expenses."

From Anhui Province,
Fuyang Village, age 29

"Our poverty led me to
reluctantly leave school and join the workforce so my siblings could continue going to school.

... I was laid off many times until I met Bill and Lily. They were unlike my previous employers. They really cared for me and allowed me a long learning curve as long as I was willing to work hard. ... Lily would first assign me simple items and as my craftsmanship improved, she would hand me more complicated ones."

From Yunnan Province,
Wuxi Village, age 28

"I live in a small village with two kids. My husband is currently in jail because he helped his brother during a confrontation. We are from a small minority group and cannot afford a lawyer. ... In 2004, I met Bill and Lily and they offered me a job. They told me that I can make some handicraft and mail it to
their factory upon completion. The wages I make from the craft are the only source of income for my household but it's enough to tend to our daily expenses....
We are grateful for this opportunity!"