Fighting Poverty
Martha's Task helps alleviate poverty in the Bartlesville, Oklahoma area with a job-training and work program that provides work for women who want to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. The ladies at Martha's Task, with the training we provide and the hard work and talent they provide, are able to create beautiful, valuable products that we help them to sell for a profit. Use the links below to learn more about poverty and its effects, and how we help women who are looking for a way to help themselves.
Poverty in Oklahoma How We Help FAQ Staff & Volunteers Why Shop
the
Cause Socially-Responsible GiftsHistory of Martha's
TaskOur Supporters
Poverty in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the poorest states in the nation. More than half of Oklahoma counties have an average income at or below the federal poverty level. Oklahoma’s poverty rate of 15.7% is well above the national average of 13.2%
How Martha's Task Helps Women in Poverty
The staff and volunteers at Martha's Task teach women in poverty the craft of sewing, and then provide an avenue for the women to sell their crafts and earn money through the work of their own hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about how Martha's Task works, how someone can become a part of the Martha's Task program and how you can help Martha's Task continue their vital work in the community.
Martha's Task Staff and Volunteers
Meet the staff at Martha's Task and learn a little about the volunteers that give their time to our cause.
Why Shop the Cause?
You can make an incredible difference in the lives of women in poverty, and get beautiful, hand-made products that you are sure to cherish.
Socially and Ecologically Responsible Gifts
Gift giving can be so much more than the mass-produced commercialism that we often let it be. Imagine giving gifts that are hand-made, earth-friendly and help an individual put food on the table (instead of helping a rich CEO buy another yacht).
History of Martha's Task
Martha’s Task began as an idea for an outreach ministry of The Community of St. James Catholic Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the late 90’s. It was sparked by a 1986 pastoral letter from the U.S. Catholic bishops entitled ECONOMIC JUSTICE FOR ALL.
Our Supporters
We are so grateful to our past and present supporters who have helped us with grants and supported our fundraisers!
Come see us at the Sew Original Gift Shop