Quilting Community AQS News
Coffee Creek Quilters
Two for charity – One for Myself – & All from the Heart
by Sylvia J. Thomas
AQS is proud to share with you information about a unique quilting program. The Coffee Creek Quilters are volunteer instructors and minimum-security inmates at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in North Wilsonville, Oregon. This program gives the inmates an opportunity to make three quilts––two for charity and one for themselves––over a 12- to 18-month period.
The Coffee Creek quilting program provides a positive “hands-on” approach for students to learn and practice a variety of life-enhancing skills, such as perseverance, patience, and problem solving, in addition to exploring creativity and giving back to the community. The opportunity to interact with the volunteer teachers over an extended period also plays a key role. For many of the women, this is the first time someone has made and kept a commitment to them.
Upon the successful completion of the three quilts, the students have developed an “I can do it” attitude. This improved self-confidence and self-esteem will increase the students’ likelihood for a better life upon release.
Currently, inmates are offered four different classes a week. Each two-hour class has 15 to 20 students with five volunteer instructors. Last year, students made approximately 162 quilts for charity and 81 for personal use. Overall, the program has donated more than 500 quilts to various charitable organizations.
The Coffee Creek Quilters are in constant need of various supplies including fabric, batting, thread, rotary blades, quilting notions and reconditioned sewing machines. As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation, they are dependent on personal, community, and corporate in-kind and cash donations.
If you would like to find out more about this program, volunteer as an instructor, or make a donation to the Coffee Creek Quilters, visit their Web site.
http://www.coffeecreekquilters.com
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