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Refugee women making scrubs for Swedish healthcare workers

All the scrubs are made to order. Sponsored by Swedish. #k5evening

SEATTLE — In a nondescript building along Lake City Way, the American dream is coming true.

Ming-Ming Tung-Edlman started the Refugee Artisan Initiative back in 2016 as a place newcomers to our country could start their journey for a new life here in the states.

"The mission is to partner with refugee and immigrants, women in particular, for them to have a prosperous transition to the U.S. through skill training and micro-business development,” said Ming-Ming.

One of the skills many of the women who come here is sewing.

"A lot of them had to grow up and make their own clothes in a refugee camp," said Ming-Ming. "So, when they come to Seattle, they may have never used an electric sewing machine, but the idea is the same."

Recently the Refugee Artisan Initiative was awarded a community investment funding grant from Swedish to be used to make much-needed medical scrubs for their health care workers.

"Sometimes scrubs can take six months to a year to get in. We ordered in October of 2019 we got them January of 2021," said Kevin Christ Regional Director of Ops & Logistics for Swedish Health.

"We're making 500 sets of scrubs,” said Ming-Ming. “And our goal is to make for other departments whatever color and size that they would like."

Usually, a one-size-fits-all garment, RAI’s scrubs are all made to order.

"They make tremendous quality products. And for us, it's about the same price as our current vendors, and they're custom fit. What's better than that," said Christ.

Credit: KING 5 Evening
The scrubs are made at the Refugee Artisan Initiative office along Lake City Way


"We want to make hospital and clinic a happier place where our health care heroes can feel comfortable, look great, and maybe even a little bit fashionable," said Ming-Ming.

Besides the health care workers, the scrubs also benefit the women who made them as well.

"It's such a gratifying thing for me to see them from earning their first paycheck, buying their first car and we even have artisans, two of them, have purchased their home."

Fulfilling a need by helping a cause - Swedish’s partnership with the Refugee Artisan Initiative is a perfect fit for all.

"Swedish is always looking for great partners. They're always looking to help in the community, and this is one of those great opportunities," said Christ.

Sponsored by Swedish. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.

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