News

• November 6, 2025,
• Maria Swartzentruber

Building Lives of Stability, Purpose, and Belonging

At Unshattered, we’re proving that recovery is possible and sustainable. Every day, we see that prevention and recovery are part of the same continuum of hope. When women are given the opportunity to build stability, purpose, and belonging, they don’t just avoid crisis, they thrive. Through trauma-informed, healing-centered employment, the women on our team gain tools for lifelong success. They develop confidence, learn new skills, and discover their unique strengths as they build lives of purpose. This month, we’re celebrating three remarkable women whose journeys show what’s possible when recovery meets opportunity. Cheryl joined the Unshattered team in August 2024 and quickly learned to sew a variety of products while participating in our Growth and Development Workshops, opportunities made possible through community support. Through these experiences, she discovered new strengths in her recovery journey. Recently, Cheryl moved closer to home and began a new role at a processing facility. Her success proves that when you invest in recovery, women can rise above doubt and embrace their potential. Every donation toward our Growth Workshops helps women like Cheryl thrive in recovery. Lynne joined Unshattered in early 2024 and quickly became known for her care and precision, whether assembling product kits or managing administrative tasks. Through growth workshops, one-on-one coaching, and teamwork, she built new skills, confidence, and a vision for her future. Now, stepping into her next chapter closer to family, Lynne recently achieved a major milestone: purchasing her own vehicle. Her story shows how self-belief and community support can turn possibility into progress. When you support coaching and development, women like Lynne continue transforming their lives, one step at a time. Jillian began as a seamstress at Unshattered in 2022 and grew into leadership as our Boutique and Production Lead. Her artistry has brought countless Custom Heirloom Bags to life, leaving a lasting impression with her craftsmanship and care. Now Jillian is stepping into a new manufacturing role closer to family, using the Manufacturing Leadership Certificate she earned through the Council of Industry. Her journey shows that skill, determination, and opportunity can break barriers and open doors far beyond our workshop walls. Your support helps more women gain certifications and professional pathways that empower long-term success. At Unshattered, we believe recovery thrives when women are surrounded by opportunity, purpose, and community. Each story of transformation begins with a single step and every step is made possible by people like you. Together, we’re building a future where recovery isn’t just possible, it’s sustainable. Support Our Mission

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• October 23, 2025,
• Maria Swartzentruber

Connecting Community: Unshattered Hosts the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Unshattered welcomed the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for a networking event celebrating connection, community, and purpose in the Hudson Valley.

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• June 23, 2025,
• Maria Swartzentruber

Big news: Unshattered is now officially People and Planet First verified!

We have exciting news to share: Unshattered is officially People and Planet First verified. 💥 This recognition affirms what has always been true about our organization. We exist to solve social and environmental problems, not to generate private profit. From the beginning, we’ve believed that business can be a force for good. Now, we’re honored to be recognized among a global community of changemakers doing just that. What does it mean to be People & Planet First verified? ✔️ We exist to serve a mission—not to generate private profit✔️ We’re sustained by both revenue and donations✔️ We reinvest every dollar directly into our purpose✔️ We’ve built long-term safeguards to keep our mission front and center More Than a Bag. A Model for Change.At Unshattered, every product we create tells a story of transformation. Handcrafted by women in recovery from addiction, our bags represent more than fashion. They represent futures. Through meaningful employment, job training, and a healing-centered workplace, women gain the tools they need to build sustainable lives of sobriety. Our commitment to impact doesn’t stop with our team. Sustainability at Every StepWe source our materials with intention:  donated fabrics, reclaimed textiles and military uniforms upcycled that would otherwise end up in landfills. Our packaging is minimal. Our operations are designed to conserve water, reduce energy use, and care for the environment at every level. From product design to the way we renovated our building, we’re always asking: How can we care for the earth while we serve people? A Community Model, Rooted and GrowingUnshattered is proud to be operate in the Hudson Valley. We hire locally, bank locally, and partner with values-aligned organizations that support people and planet. We are proof that a small organization fueled by purpose can create lasting ripple effects in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This verification is more than a badge. It reflects who we are and what we stand for. We’re not here to chase trends or profit. We’re here to create real change. And we’re just getting started. Thank you for being on this journey with us.Learn more about the People + Planet First community at peopleandplanetfirst.org.

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• October 31, 2024,
• Kelly Lyndgaard

Unshattered Takes the Stage at Southwest Airlines’ Headquarters

Unshattered recently had the honor of presenting at Southwest Airlines’ Creator Day, showcasing our mission to empower individuals in recovery through the Possibilities Take Flight collection. Highlighted by our Senior Marketing and Partnerships Manager, Donna, the event featured Kaylene, who shared her powerful personal story of resilience, earning a standing ovation. This opportunity to amplify our message is a testament to the incredible support from our community. Together, we’re stitching lives back together, one possibility at a time!

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• Addiction
• Authority Magazine
• Interview
• Recovery Resources
• November 27, 2021,
• Kelly Lyndgaard

Thoughts on How to Achieve Great Success after Recovering from Addiction - Amanda's Authority Magazine Interview

"Erase the stigma for the next person struggling by being brave enough to share your struggle." This is one of the pieces of advice that our Product Manager and Creative Lead, Amanda, shared when asked to give advice to a person who is struggling with some sort of addiction but ashamed to speak about it or get help.Amanda, was recently interviewed by Authority Magazine to share her story of possibility and her amazing work in recovery. Amanda has come such a long way, being named on of the Forty Under 40 in Dutchess County, being asked to be a part of the selection committee, speaking at the white house, and more.  As a woman in recovery, Amanda is proving that the stigma of addiction can be overcome and people struggling with addiction are worth investing in. As Ed Mylett shares in his recent book, The Power of One More, we are all closer to our dreams and goals than we think.    Read Amanda's full story in Authority Magazine here.

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