Recently I was accepted to volunteer in the Red Cross Sewing
project at the Saginaw Correctional Facility (SRF).
The program, which has been in place a couple years now,
teaches prisoners how to use sewing machines to create coats and quilts for
poor children and homeless shelters. Hundreds of coats and quilts have been
produced through the program.
Each coat and quilt made is produced using materials from
members of the public who donate fabrics, thread, sewing needles, buttons, zippers,
sewing machines, and other useful supplies.
Interested prisoners who apply to participate must have a
positive prison record and not pose a disciplinary problem for staff. They can
also not be convicted of crimes against women or children.
I walked past the classroom several times during the first
few months of my arrival at the facility and wondered what the class was about.
Eventually I approached someone in the class and asked about the program. After
giving me details about the program I decided to give it a try.
Subsequent to receiving training and tedious practice (and
numerous failed attempts to sew straight lines) I proudly created my first
children's coat. It was a very rewarding experience. All the more so because I
had no previous knowledge of how to use a sewing machine and was clueless about
making clothing.
I knew once I learned to produce the first coat I would go
on to make others. I was also hopeful that my involvement and support would
make the program more attractive to other prisoners who may not have otherwise
considered participating.
Some prisoners had previously not considered participating
in the program because of their fear or insecurity of what other prisoners may
think about them. Sewing is not viewed as a masculine activity in prison.
For prisoners who lack confidence or have low self-esteem
this can be problematic because the stigmas in prison can prevent them from
evolving into the best they can be. They allow others to impose limitations on
their potential.
To combat this thinking I frequently remind people around me
that failure is not fatal. Once they embrace this reality they are able to
discover that success is the culmination of sacrifice, hard work, and is often
realized after a litany of failures.
The sewing program not only provides warmth to poor and
homeless children, it also teaches prisoners what it means to be caring and
compassionate. It teaches them that striving to become a better person, despite
the fear of failure or being stereotyped, is worth the risk.
Prisoners are also able to learn the value of altruism and
service to others through the program. They learn that when they do good they
foster goodness in others who reciprocate their example and positive
stewardship.
All it takes is donated materials from members of the public
and the efforts of a few prisoners to transform a small classroom into a
radiant place where the magic of kindness and miracles can manifest.
If you would like to support this effort you are invited to
donate useful items to:
SRF Red Cross Sewing Program
Attn: Jodi Curtis
9625 Pierce Road
Freeland, MI 48623
