JOSHWAY x Mr. Stitch: Custom Patches for a Brighter Future

Jan 10, 2025

4 min read

Updated: Sep 6

We get to work on all kinds of projects at Mr. Stitch. Some are uniforms, some are one-of-a-kind pieces, and some introduce us to people and organizations doing work we probably would not have known about otherwise. JOSHWAY was one of those projects.

David Robertson, the founder of JOSHWAY, came to us to create custom embroidered patches for the organization. We made them here at our Sherman Oaks shop, but once I learned more about JOSHWAY, I wanted to share the story behind the logo too.

A Little About JOSHWAY

JOSHWAY was founded by David Robertson and works with young people through creativity, technology and life-skills programs. The organization partners with schools and community groups to give kids opportunities to learn, create and explore different interests.

Some of the programs have included creative workshops using Apple technology. Kids have worked with GarageBand to make music and explored coding, app creation and Swift. I like that the technology is being used as something to create with rather than just something to consume.

JOSHWAY has also worked on public-speaking skills through Toastmasters workshops. Students practiced speaking and presenting in front of others, giving them a chance to become more comfortable using their voice in a group setting.

Their programs have covered more than creativity alone, including leadership, financial responsibility, career guidance and personal development. I had the chance to ask David a few questions about JOSHWAY and what the work has meant to him.

A Conversation With JOSHWAY Founder David Robertson

Which workshop has been your favorite so far?

We work closely with our local El Sistema community here in the Lehigh Valley, and one of the highlights for us was creating their first-ever public speaking course through the Toastmasters Youth Program. When we started, most of the participants could barely speak for 30 seconds. Over the course of 8 weeks, we watched them transform. By the end of the program, they could confidently deliver 4–6 minute speeches, run the Toastmasters meeting, and even showcase their progress during a session at the Apple Store, where we introduced Keynote to help them craft impactful presentations.

This journey wasn’t just about learning to speak or working with technology—it was about uncovering leadership qualities and helping these young people find their voices. At JOSHWAY, we believe that our voice is a superpower. Teaching youth to use it in a healthy way—to encourage, uplift, empower, or advocate—is a life skill that will stay with them forever. Seeing these young people discover their potential and confidence was truly inspiring.

Why do you feel JOSHWAY is important today?

The pressures facing youth today are overwhelming—whether it’s digital, social, or the challenges of simply growing up in a fast-paced world. Without healthy workshops and programs to guide them, these pressures can take a serious toll. Statistics show that 1 in 5 kids has a mental health disorder, and 20% of youth have contemplated suicide.

At JOSHWAY, we believe we can change that. Through workshops that nurture healthy relationships with technology and build life skills, we aim to relieve some of this pressure. Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire, teach, and lead the next generation to thrive in today’s world.

Has working with the kids changed you personally?

Absolutely! JOSHWAY was created through the loss of my little brother Josh. His life and challenges inspired us to focus on creating programs that empower youth through arts, technology, and life skills. I often think that if he had access to something like JOSHWAY, maybe things could’ve been different. While I can’t change the past, I can focus on what we do today to make a difference for others.

Seeing the impact of our programs is incredibly moving. Take Amelia, for example. She joined one of our initiatives that helps youth discover their talents through apparel design. Amelia started with just an idea and developed it into a meaningful design that captured her personal story. Through this process, she gained confidence, explored her creativity, and showcased her competencies. Watching her joy—and the inspiration she sparked in others—was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. You can see her story here: Amelia's Video.

What arts does the program focus on?

Our program covers a variety of creative outlets. Through Joshwear, we help kids design apparel that reflects their personal stories—check out our shop at shop.joshway.org. We also collaborate with our local Apple Store to teach drawing with Procreate, making music with GarageBand, and coding with Swift Playgrounds. This year, we’re excited to expand into new areas like photography, as well as introducing workshops on Parental Controls and Sharing for both youth and parents.

Our arts initiatives aren’t just about creativity; they’re a gateway to unlocking core competencies like leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The arts inspire youth to "Dare Mighty Things," helping them grow, gain awareness, and even heal through their creative journeys.

Do you offer anything online for kids who are not in your area?

Yes! We’ve launched the JOSHWAY x Youth Collaboration Program, which allows young people from anywhere to showcase their art by creating designs for JOSHWAY apparel. This program helps them explore their core talents and competencies, and it’s been a huge success. Later this year, we’re planning to roll out a financial literacy program to give even more youth access to important life skills.

JOSHWAY Logo

What are some ways people can get involved in JOSHWAY?

There are so many ways to support JOSHWAY! The easiest is to help us spread the word by following us on social media and sharing our message—you can get started at joshway.org/share. We also love collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, especially since we’re tech-driven and open to partnerships that go beyond physical locations. Finally, any contributions to help us push our vision forward are greatly appreciated and can be made at joshway.org/donate.

I really enjoyed learning more about David, JOSHWAY and the young people involved in the program. One thought from the original post still feels true: I wish something like JOSHWAY had been around when I was a kid.

We appreciate David and the JOSHWAY team trusting Mr. Stitch with their patches. If you have a custom patch project of your own, you can send us the artwork or bring the idea into our Sherman Oaks shop and we’ll take a look.