History
In 1989, the Faculty Benevolent Association (FBA) raised money from local churches and individuals to fund the startup of The Work of Our Hands, a nonprofit international crafts store in downtown Pella, IA. By selling fair trade products, the store has been able to help provide fair wages for artisans from the poorest countries in the world. After the original members of the FBA retired and disbanded in 2008, operations were turned over to a store manager, a board, and the generous help of volunteers. In 2013, The Work of Our Hands was able to move to its current location. With an unexpected increase in profit, the store has generously given back to the community by donating to various nonprofit organizations and helping to start similar shops across the country through interest-free start-up loans.