We are teaming up with Alex Anderson to enhance the quilting program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.
About 7 years ago, an enthusiastic quilter named Koko Sutton heard that a women’s prison was opening in her community. She believed that learning an art form like quilting would benefit the inmates in many ways, so she started the Coffee Creek Quilters group at the prison.
Sutton gathered volunteers to teach their weekly group classes using the book, Start Quilting with Alex Anderson.
“Alex’s book is the perfect example of simple quilts with clear instructions…that can be made successfully by beginners,” says Sutton. The inmates, some of whom are dealing with mental health and substance-abuse issues, donate more than 100 of their handmade quilts each year to various deserving organizations, including hospices, nursing homes, and low-income medical facilities. Their group’s motto is “Two for charity, one for myself, and all from the heart.”
According to Sutton, the program was a hit from the very beginning. Eighty inmates are currently enrolled, with over a hundred more on a waiting list. “The program teaches so much more than quilting…our students develop their skills in problem-solving, math, reading, team-work, perseverance, and self-discipline. They also learn from experiencing the joy of giving to someone else in need.”
When Alex Anderson heard that her book was a part of this wonderful program, she contacted us to discuss how we might be able to help. We were thrilled to give the prison several cases of Alex’s books, so each student could have her own copy to keep after completing the class. We will continue to supply The Coffee Creek Quilters group with books as their program grows.
The Coffee Creek Quilters group is always in need of volunteers and donations. To learn more visit www.coffeecreekquilters.org or call 503-257-1320.
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3 Comments
Tried the URL but it was not found. HELP!!! =!=
So sorry. Here is the correct link http://www.coffeecreekquilters.org/
This is a great thing for the guild to get involved. Our guild is also collecting fabrics, crafts, books for the woman’s prison in Chowchilla, CA. It is interesting that prison is suppose to help these women return to society, but they are unable to provide materials for rehabilitating them.How can a woman sew when she does not have fabric? The inmates do need our help in providing them with items to make for their families and also for selling at the prison stores.