Factory Works
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About Us

Passion Brought Us Here
Community Keeps Us Here

Factory Works strives to provide a welcoming community and supportive experiences for people of all ages, nationalities, ethnicities, races, socio-economic circumstances, political and religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We expect every volunteer, board member, program member, and instructor to promote an inclusive educational and community environment.

Factory Works is a 501(c)(3) arts and community organization founded in 2011.

Our four programs and office are located within the revitalized historic Pajama Factory complex in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Factory Works is the dba for Historic Neighborhood Trust, Inc.

Our all-volunteer organization strives to help individuals have a place to embrace their passions for ceramics, woodworking, black-and-white film photography, and bicycling. Our programming and collaborations help build a community where artistic expression thrives, and learning and creative endeavors are elevated.

Factory Works strives to provide a welcoming community and supportive experiences for people of all ages, nationalities, ethnicities, races, socio-economic circumstances, political and religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We expect every volunteer, board member, program member, and instructor to promote an inclusive educational and community environment.

Our Roles in the Community

Mission

Our mission is to provide the local community with educational resources for nurturing artists, artisans, community builders, and innovative thinkers to ignite a spirit of creativity that enriches our entire community.

Goals

Our goals are to provide the tools, space, and supportive environment for members of the local community to engage in healthy activities that lead to positive personal and professional growth. We offer educational opportunities and shop access to a variety of disciplines through classes, workshops, memberships, and special cultural events.

Our History

Factory Works is an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) nonprofit arts and community organization founded in 2011 focusing on education and community building. Housed in the historic Pajama Factory complex, our programs provide various opportunities to explore your passion for using your hands and mind to create meaningful experiences. Our participants tell us that these experiences help them feel connected to a community and improve the quality of their lives through creative endeavors.

Mark and Suzanne Winkelman founded the organization, officially named Historic Neighborhood Trust, Inc., in New York State and gained approval to operate in Pennsylvania in 2011 (EIN 27-0083507). First, under the name Pajama Factory Center for Creativity, the organization searched for and found passionate individuals who wanted to build a program within a nonprofit organization to share their passions with others. These volunteer founders worked tirelessly to ensure the programs were sustainable and served community members’ needs. These pioneers also served on our Board of Directors.

In 2015, our business DBA name changed to Factory Works, under which we operate today. As the organization developed, it became apparent that the Board of Directors needed to be community-based. In January 2019, the board reorganized to ensure external voices were included in the organization’s operation.

As the organization has matured, our community outreach has expanded. We have worked with other organizations to reach foster parents and children, veterans, residents of transitional living centers, high school and college students, and more. Partnering with other nonprofit agencies has allowed our outreach to expand to populations often underserved and difficult to reach. Bringing creative experiences and sharing our passion with others enriches our programs, ensuring that we help advance the quality of life in our community.

Timeline

2011

Historic Neighborhood Trust, Inc. was authorized to do business in Pennsylvania as the Pajama Factory Center for Creativity. Founded by Mark and Suzanne Winkelman.

2013

Williamsport Community Woodshop opens, founded by John Meyers.

Williamsport Community Darkroom opens, founded by Ralph Wilson (later renamed Factory Works Photo Lab).

2014

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle, founded by David and Louisa Stone, moves to Factory Works from the YMCA.

Clay Studio opens, founded by Deb and David Stabley.

Gallery opens.

2015

Center for Creativity rebrands as Factory Works.

2017

Raise the Region participation begins.

2018

Pennsylvania Council of the Arts grants begin.

2019

The Board of Directors reorganized to ensure a community board that voices the community’s interests.

2020

Factory Works Gallery closes.

Unveiled Lady of Light mosaic pillars at the Pajama Factory funded by a grant from the PA Humanities Council.

2023

Expands partnerships with external community groups. Participates with AmeriCorps.

2024

Photo Lab project funding from Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation begins.

Meet Our Board

Jeannette Carter

Board Member, President

Executive Director, Factory Works
Education Specialist
Smart Futures

Ross Berger

Board Member, Treasurer

Workforce Development
Pennsylvania College of Technology

George Bishop

Board Member, Secretary

Legal Counsel
Firetree, Ltd.

Jeannette Carter

Board Member, President

Executive Director, Factory Works
Education Specialist
Smart Futures

Ross Berger

Board Member, Treasurer

Workforce Development
Pennsylvania College of Technology

George Bishop

Board Member, Secretary

Legal Counsel
Firetree, Ltd.

Heather Allison

Campus & Community Ambassador

West Pharmaceutical Services

Heather Allison

Campus & Community Ambassador

West Pharmaceutical Services

Judy Olinsky

Board Liaison to Lycoming Arts

She is

Desireá Taylor

Student

Lycoming College Art Department

April Line

Business Owner

Get in Line Business Solutions

Judy Olinsky

Board Liaison to Lycoming Arts

She is

Desireá Taylor

Student

Lycoming College Art Department

Michelle Trotz

Non-Profit Management

Rural Health Advocacy

Meet Our Program Managers

Jeff Aurand

Williamsport Community Woodshop

Betsy Kimberling

Williamsport Community Woodshop

Worth Rawson

Factory Works Clay Studio

Jeff Aurand

Williamsport Community Woodshop

Betsy Kimberling

Williamsport Community Woodshop

Worth Rawson

Factory Works Clay Studio

Sara Sembiante

Factory Works Clay Studio

Sara Sembiante

Factory Works Clay Studio

Brian Spies

Factory Works Photo Lab

David Stone

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle

Founder

Louisa Stone

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle

Founder

Louisa Stone

Founder

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle

Brian Spies

Factory Works Photo Lab

David Stone

Founder

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle

Our Relationship with the Pajama Factory

The vision that Mark and Suzanne Winkelman brought to the Pajama Factory, and still operate upon today, is to enhance and grow a creative community. Their vision of a thriving nonprofit within the Pajama Factory, focused on creativity and the arts, is the cornerstone of the birth of Factory Works. As the founders of Factory Works, they set the tone for our development and assisted us in vision, motivation, and funding as we developed.

They are still our greatest cheerleaders. Their financial support continues today and their interest in our work has never waned.

We thank the Winkelmans for their continued support and encouragement and look forward to continuing a strong future together.

Mark and Suzanne Winkelman

Owners of The Pajama Factory

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