Unshattered’s Latest Partnership with Southwest Airlines® Gives Plane Seats New Wings

Unshattered is a nonprofit social enterprise based in Hopewell Junction, NY.  Founded in 2016, by CEO Kelly Lyndgaard, the company fosters long-term recovery for women winning their battle against drug and alcohol dependency by providing pathways to economic independence. Unshattered's employees are provided with employment, personal development training, community, and a second chance at life after addiction. To date, Unshattered has worked with more than 100 women in various stages of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and criminal behavior.

In addition to supporting sustained sobriety, Unshattered also supports a sustainable fashion footprint using upcycled material to manufacture the handbags the Unshattered women design and create. Each Unshattered bag is handcrafted and sewn by a team of professionally trained female artisans using repurposed fabric from Broadway sets, military uniforms, reclaimed manufacturing scraps, and personal items for custom designs. 

Unshattered’s unique business model has proven immensely successful. As the team expands into a larger location, the company is taking off in other directions,  including new partnerships. Most recently, Unshattered and Southwest Airlines® teamed up to support women in recovery through upcycling. The airline is adding Unshattered to its Repurpose with Purpose program, a global sustainability initiative that upcycles items such as leather seat coverings and transforms them into new products. Southwest is donating used aircraft seat leather from its aircraft to Unshattered which will be cleaned and prepared for use in the 501c3 non-profit’s new line of travel bags and accessories.

“At Southwest Airlines we believe in living responsibly, respecting our resources, and sharing our heart with others,” said Laurie Barnett, Vice President Communications & Outreach at Southwest Airlines. “One of the many ways we do this is through our Repurpose with Purpose program. We’re honored to welcome Unshattered as a partner and support their work; generating social and economic opportunities for communities all over.”

The new “Possibilities Take Flight” collection with Southwest includes exclusive handbag and accessory styles unavailable in any other Unshattered fabrics. The line has been available both at Unshattered’s flagship store and on the organization’s website www.unshattered.org since February 21st.

Read the Full Unshattered x SW Airlines Press Release

Unshattered earned the 2018 Nonprofit of the Year at the Think Dutchess Business Excellence Awards. Since then, the team has not only become part of our thriving business community as ambassadors of the possibility they represent but also as Think Dutchess Digital Ambassadors. As a Digital Ambassador, Unshattered CEO, Kelly Lyndgaard, shared why she chose Dutchess County to start and grow this non-profit social enterprise and what she loves about Dutchess County.

Think Dutchess continues to support the women of Unshattered and the many different types of talents and employers that exist here in Dutchess. Looking for more information about starting or growing your business in Dutchess?

Reach out to Renee Richard, Director of Business Retention & Expansion with questions.

First photo: Unshattered X Southwest Airlines Collaboration. Photo of three Unshattered employees modeling new line of upcycled bags at Dutchess County's Hudson Valley Regional Airport  Second photo: 2022 Unshattered X Southwest Airlines products photographed on airplane stairs in Dutchess County, NY