Hopes Landing celebrates one year anniversary

As Hope's Landing prepares to celebrate its one year anniversary next month, founder and executive director, Leah Cordy, has been reflecting on the organizations progress from over the past year. Hope's Landing, 76 E. Market St., Suite B, is a non-profit that provides part-time employment for local survivors of abuse such as human trafficking and domestic violence. Inside of the organization is a production space where women work with the production manager, Meridith Ringler, to create handmade beauty products including candles; lotion; body butter; sugar and salt scrub; lip balm; wax melts; perfume sticks and more. Cordy, who previously worked as the Community Outreach Advisor for Hope's Landing's partner organization, Sisters in Shelter, said the idea for the social enterprise began when she noticed women would leave the shelter program struggling to take the next steps in independence which includes obtaining an occupation. "These women have been through extreme traumas, and just learning how to be patient and understanding and always encouraging self-care...I think is a key to why this organization has been so successful," Cordy said. "Seeing the impact that we have on these women makes a world of a difference to me," she added. Cordy said that survivors also get two hours each week where they can work on personal development while getting paid. Personal development includes things like working on a resume, going to counseling or anything that benefits the individual's personal goals to better themselves, Cordy said. Hope's Landing aims to provide a sustainable path for survivors to encourage them to take the next steps in their lives, she said. Over the last year, Cordy said Hope's Landing has experienced significant growth, and has products available for sale in 18 different stores throughout Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina and other states. "The name that we've made for ourselves in the community–I'm very proud of," exclaimed Cordy. "It's grown so much and just seeing the growth we've had in the first year makes me so excited for the potential that we still have…it's the reason I get out of bed in the morning." Cordy said that human trafficking and domestic violence is closer in the community than we realize, and by supporting organizations like Hope's Landing, it not only helps to create awareness and empathy for others, but also is assisting a local social enterprise. "I feel like I learn something new every day," Cordy said. "I'm only 23, so starting a non-profit from basically nothing was a learning experience within itself." Cordy obtained a degree from Heidelberg in political science and international business, and currently manages a team of 8 employees under Hope's Landing. Her duties as the founder and executive director include overseeing the organization, completing administrative work, conducting reach-outs and making connections with the community. Within the next five years, Cordy said she envisions Hope's Landing becoming an available organization in other cities such as her hometown, Cleveland, and in the Toledo area. "I would love to see our products all across the country," she added, emphasizing that she believes it's possible to grow based on how much the organization has accomplished in the past year. Cordy said she is inspired by the various businesses within the social enterprise community, who do not compete with each other, but support each other. Because Hope's Landing does not have a store front, products produced by the organization are sold throughout local companies. The organization will also be hosting a pop-up shop at Bailiwicks, 62 S. Washington St., and will be selling products which includes a vanilla and coffee salt scrub made from Bailiwicks coffee grounds. The non-profit is currently planning a celebration for their one year anniversary on May 14, Cordy said, which includes creating an upcoming birthday cake scented candle. Hope's Landing is looking forward to the continued support of the community, Cordy added.