Wednesday morning, tables at Maker Union were filled with stickers, postcards, purple ribbons, crafts and many helping hands as the group’s participants got to work assembling 100 gift bags for Peace House’s upcoming open house.
The project brought together the two local nonprofits for a morning of creativity, supported by Maker Union’s team of young adults who meet regularly to learn job skills, practice teamwork and explore art in an inclusive setting.
Founded to provide meaningful work and social opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Maker Union blends creativity with community impact, from crafting handmade gifts to packaging and assembling special projects for groups like Peace House.
“We love collaborating with Peace House,” said Anne Peters, founder of Maker Union. “For our group, it’s a chance to socialize, learn new skills, and do a project that’s meaningful. Most of what we make here is for us to sell, which is great, but this is community — this is giving back.”
For the Peace House project, makers carefully filled each bag with small items and conversation starters giving a nod to October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The 100 goodie bags will be handed out to the first guests at Peace House’s open house on Friday, Oct. 25, where attendees can tour the facility, meet staff and learn about the services the nonprofit provides.
Peace House prevention coordinator Erin Meotell said her team wanted a project that tied into Domestic Violence Awareness Month and gave visitors something meaningful to take home.
“We wanted to give something out that would help people keep the conversation going,” she said. “When they stop by our prevention office, they’ll learn about domestic violence and prevention — and then leave with something that helps them remember that.”
Meotell said the collaboration was a perfect fit for both organizations.
“They love it, and they’re always so willing to help,” Meotell said. “We have such a great partnership with Maker Union — it gives us a chance to talk about safety and what Peace House does in a way that isn’t scary, just friendly and familiar.”
The rates of violence against youth and adults with disabilities are significantly higher than average, Meotell added, meaning outreach is crucial. By partnering with organizations like Maker Union, Peace House hopes to ensure that everyone in the community knows where to turn if they need help.
The partnership also reflects the sense of collaboration that both nonprofits have fostered within Park City’s community spaces.
“Peace House is amazing, and Erin is so cool,” Peters said. “What I love about this town is how we all look out for each other — these little pockets of vulnerable individuals coming together in safe, supportive spaces.”
For Maker Union participants, the morning offered both a social and purposeful experience, said Peters, each person finding their role, whether tying bows or assembling the bags.
As the group wrapped up their work Wednesday, Meotell said she was grateful for the energy and teamwork behind the project. She added that participants were proud of what they made and that she could tell that being part of it mattered to them.
Peace House, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will host its open house on Friday, Oct. 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 700 Round Valley Drive in Park City. The free event will include light breakfast, hot drinks, guided tours of the facility and opportunities to meet staff and learn about domestic violence prevention and support services.
“It’s a chance for people to come see what we do and how we can help,” Meotell said. “We want the community to feel welcome and to know that Peace House is here as a resource.”
