Last week, Jera and I had the opportunity to deliver the charity quilts to Sonshine Community Services. When we arrived at the location I was struck by the fact that this building is a women’s shelter. It’s likely that I have driven by this place over a dozen times and had no idea of the incredible work going on inside.
Women can stay at Sonshine for up to a year and access the supports they offer. During this time the families are supported by a large group of people ranging from counseling to career skills and education. As a teacher I was most impressed by the supports being provided to children. Sonshine has its own childcare facilities that specialize in treating children who have experienced trauma. This is also available to children who will benefit from the services who are not housed within the facility. The difference this care will make in the lives of these children is immense!
Barb, the volunteer coordinator, who provided us with a tour of the facility, greeted us. First, you need know that Barb is the warmest person, by the end of our visit it felt like we were friends. I am happy to know that the women and children who access Sonshine’s services have someone like Barb in their corner. Second, you need to know that everyone who works at Sonshine has dedicated their lives to helping very vulnerable women and children. Through some good fortune I have never had to access a women’s shelter, although I know people who have. I have some idea of the crisis that leads a person to the necessity of accessing these types of services. I’m almost certain that every woman in our Guild knows someone who has needed these services and I am certain that’s why everyone was so enthusiastic in their support for this cause.
We delivered 48 quilts! As each new family arrives at Sonshine, their apartment will be prepared and the quilts will be on their beds. The quilts will become one of their first possessions on a hopeful journey. Sonshine passes along their gratitude for the generosity of such an extensive quilt donation.
The need at Sonshine continues and we will continue to donate quilts to their cause throughout 2016. At our March sew day (which is actually a sew night on March 18th) we will finish putting together the QAYG blocks and prepping binding for those quilts. At the February meeting attendees will get a chance to try longarming on donation quilts as well.
Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in this very worthy project!
Women can stay at Sonshine for up to a year and access the supports they offer. During this time the families are supported by a large group of people ranging from counseling to career skills and education. As a teacher I was most impressed by the supports being provided to children. Sonshine has its own childcare facilities that specialize in treating children who have experienced trauma. This is also available to children who will benefit from the services who are not housed within the facility. The difference this care will make in the lives of these children is immense!
Barb, the volunteer coordinator, who provided us with a tour of the facility, greeted us. First, you need know that Barb is the warmest person, by the end of our visit it felt like we were friends. I am happy to know that the women and children who access Sonshine’s services have someone like Barb in their corner. Second, you need to know that everyone who works at Sonshine has dedicated their lives to helping very vulnerable women and children. Through some good fortune I have never had to access a women’s shelter, although I know people who have. I have some idea of the crisis that leads a person to the necessity of accessing these types of services. I’m almost certain that every woman in our Guild knows someone who has needed these services and I am certain that’s why everyone was so enthusiastic in their support for this cause.
We delivered 48 quilts! As each new family arrives at Sonshine, their apartment will be prepared and the quilts will be on their beds. The quilts will become one of their first possessions on a hopeful journey. Sonshine passes along their gratitude for the generosity of such an extensive quilt donation.
The need at Sonshine continues and we will continue to donate quilts to their cause throughout 2016. At our March sew day (which is actually a sew night on March 18th) we will finish putting together the QAYG blocks and prepping binding for those quilts. At the February meeting attendees will get a chance to try longarming on donation quilts as well.
Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in this very worthy project!
Rachel Elliott
