One of the best things about SHIM is our ability to respond to the needs of our community. While we focus on helping neighbors meet basic needs and achieve self-sufficiency, we acknowledge that neighbors will need different resources and tools to succeed.
Part of encouraging self-sufficiency involves valuing people and their ambitions. Many of our foreign-born families are interested in finding fulfilling entrepreneurial opportunities. This is especially true for the ladies attending SHIM’s Women’s Group, a weekly meeting of women where they can share their experiences in a supportive environment.
Women in the group provide ideas for skills they would like to learn, and SHIM’s Family and Community Engagement Specialist Dawn helps organize classes. The women learn to cook American dishes, arrange flowers, and sew. To provide these opportunities, we lean on our amazing volunteers and staff to share their skills in this unique setting. Volunteer Cindy has found multiple ways to apply her skills in support of SHIM.
“I admire the women. Many don’t speak English, and I know how hard it is to be in another country and not speak the language.” -Cindy, SHIM Volunteer
Dawn helped procure fabric donations, patterns, and even sewing machines to get the group started, and worked to schedule the classes. Eager to help in a meaningful way, Cindy jumped at the chance to share her knowledge of sewing with the women in the group. Cindy consulted with the sewing class participants to pick fabric and patterns, then worked with them on their projects.
The group started with 9 ladies, although not every participant could attend every class. Participants started with smaller projects then became more ambitious. They made pillow cases, pajama pants, tulip pants, and quilts.
“I loved seeing their confidence growing from the first class, and how much they enjoyed coming to the class!” -Cindy
Not only has Cindy helped this program launch, but she is tying together our recycling efforts into her own entrepreneurial activity in support of SHIM. As we look to reduce our waste, we have been thoughtful in recycling unused textiles from our Clothing Closet. Cindy recognized the opportunity to source free fabric and began sewing tote bags out of unwanted clothes. She sells the purses and donates the proceeds back to SHIM, amplifying her overall impact of volunteering.
SHIM is always looking for unique ways to help the people in our community. We’re grateful that our 300+ volunteers share their time, energy, and expertise to help us build a community where everyone can thrive. If you’re interested in volunteering, go to www.shimcares.org/volunteer, and be sure to share any unique skills you’re interested in sharing with our program participants!
