The mission statement of COOPA-ROCA, Rocinha Seamstress and Craftwork Co-operative Ltd is to provide conditions for its members, female residents of Rocinha, to work from home and thereby contribute to their family budget, without having to neglect their childcare and domestic duties. The work developed at COOPA-ROCA has made it possible to improve the quality of life of the craftswomen and, indirectly, also their families. Apart from providing work which can be carried out at home and generating extra income, an improvement can be seen in terms of professional quality, in general health (through voluntary work by acupuncturists) and in their self-esteem. It has also lead to a collective intrinsic understanding of the practices of a co-operative as clearly demonstrated by COOPA-ROCA´s impact on the local community. Established at the beginning of the 80s, COOPA-ROCA arose as an offshoot from a recycling project involving the local children (1981). The craftwork produced from textile remnants was the idea behind organising the first group of women and then later the formation of the co-operative. During its first few years COOPA-ROCA focussed its activities on organising and evaluating the group of women, generating a small production force aimed at developing decorative craftwork products by reviving traditional Brazilian craft techniques such as drawstring appliqué, crochet, knot work and patchwork. Artisanal production has gained recognition thanks to COOPA-ROCA´s professional approach supported by the high standards of its members. Its vision is to increase the social impact on the Rochina community, turning it into a national reference as a social introduction to low-income communities of how work and income can be generated. At the moment the cooperative has approximately 150 members along with important partners in the fashion and decorative design market. These partnerships have been formed throughout the various events realized by COOPA-ROCA.