01/31/2025
*A New Chapter for Reincorporated & The Embera Bead Project*
As we step into 2025, weâre excited to share whatâs next for Reincorporated and the future of the Embera Bead Project. Over the past several months, weâve been working hard to create a lasting, sustainable future for Casa Embera. While our earrings and beadwork have been an incredible way to support the project, we knew that relying on sales alone wouldnât provide long-term stability. So, we began searching and praying for a larger, well-established organization to help secure the future of our programsâone that wouldnât depend on product sales to keep things running.
That journey led us to an incredible partnership with Send Relief, and weâre thrilled to announce that they have provided funding to sustain our operations for the next six months, with a verbal commitment to extend support through the end of the year and likely beyond.
*What This Means for the Bead Project*
With this transition, we are downsizing the bead operation, but itâs not disappearing entirely! You can still support the Embera Bead Project by purchasing a curated selection of our best-selling products and by hosting events through Party in a Box.
*The Future of Reincorporated*
Big changes are also coming for Reincorporated. While the U.S. foundation will continue supporting the Embera Bead Project by managing U.S. sales, maintaining the website, and handling financial distribution, the operations in Colombia will transition to FundaciĂłn Sueños y Huellas. This shift will allow us, Nick and Carisa, to step away from daily operations and pursue new career opportunities. However, the Colombian branch of Reincorporated will remain active through 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and support Casa Emberaâs staff.
The decision to transition Casa Embera and eventually phase out Reincorporated in Colombia wasnât made lightly. For the past 10 years, weâve poured our hearts into supporting the people of MedellĂn, and we are incredibly proud of the legacy weâve built at Casa Embera. But we also feel that God is leading us into a new season, and we are confident that Beth and Travis, alongside the dedicated team at Sueños y Huellas, will continue this mission with the same love and dedication.
*Looking Back on an Incredible Journey*
As we reflect on this journey, we want to celebrate some of the incredible milestones that have shaped Reincorporated and the Embera Bead Project:
2016 â The American and Colombian foundations were officially established, laying the groundwork for what would become a decade of impact.
2018 â We opened a Colombian restaurant, which served as a social enterprise and the beginning of our first partnerships with Sueños y Huellas.
2019 â Beth began working directly with the Embera community in the streets, helping them sell their handmade goods to tourists. This same year, the Colombian restaurant closed, prompting a shift in focus toward new ways to support the community.
2020 â During the pandemic, Beth and Travis joined Reincorporatedâs food distribution efforts, working jointly with Sueños y Huellas to provide emergency aid. This resulted in over 80 tons of food being donated to families in need. With tourism at a standstill in MedellĂn, the Embera Bead Project joined Reincorporated, allowing artisans to sell their work in the U.S. This year also marked our first partnership with Send Relief, which sponsored a food distribution grant to help feed the Embera and other vulnerable families.
2021 â We launched Party in a Box, giving supporters the opportunity to host events in their homes or churches to support the mission. Embera Bead Project also began hosting production workshops and developmental classes at Sueños y Huellas.
2022 â In partnership with Sueños y Huellas, the Mayorâs Office of MedellĂn offered a house for the Embera Bead Project, and Casa Embera was born! Sales and outreach expanded, as did the financial commitment required to sustain the programs.
2023 â Casa Embera focused on program refinement, ensuring its initiatives had the greatest possible impact on the Embera community. The Embera Bead Project was featured in Lifewayâs VBS and sold at select FUGE camps. On average, 25 Embera artisans worked daily producing bead jewelry.
2024 â While sales slowed for the Embera Bead Project, Casa Emberaâs social programs continued to grow. The project was officially accepted into Send Reliefâs programs, securing a more sustainable future.
2025 - Colombian operations transition to Sueños & Huellas with oversight from Reincorporated.
Each of these milestones was made possible by the incredible support of people like you. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Stay Connected
With this transition, this will be our final newsletter. Going forward, Beth and Travis will continue to share updates on social media, so we encourage you to stay connected by following:
đ· Instagram:
đ Facebook: The Embera Bead Project
We cannot express how grateful we are for your support over the years. You have been part of something truly special, and because of you, the Embera community will continue to thrive.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible mission!
With gratitude,
Nick & Carisa
