Article updated: 1/18/2013 10:09 AM

Moving Picture: Glen Ellyn shop helps refugee women

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Sandberg, left, and volunteer Amy Bauer of Wheaton go over materials at the shop in Glen Ellyn.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Rebecca Sandberg, 36, is the founder and director of Re: new in Glen Ellyn.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Rebecca Sandberg sorts through pieces of cloth, donated from Toms-Price furniture store, at her shop Re: new in Glen Ellyn. This store and others donate samples and materials to Re: new, which allows them to make their products.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Esther Lahtaw of Wheaton, a refugee from Burma, works on a piece at Re: new in Glen Ellyn.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Rebecca Sandberg, left, with Gulnora Fozilova at Re: new in Glen Ellyn.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Gallery Image

Nicole Smulkstys of Glen Ellyn tries a hat on her daughter Kara, 3, as they shop at Re: new in Glen Ellyn. All the items in the shop are made by refugee women employed by Re: new who work right next to the store.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Rebecca Sandberg, founder and director of Re:new store in Glen Ellyn, has found her niche helping refugee women in the suburbs find sustainable work. "Hearing their stories changed everything for me," she says, "And I believe coming together as a community and helping all women find peace is especially important."