Two years ago, CrossOver Healthcare Minisitry opened our Connections Center with funding from The Bob & Anna Lou Schaberg Fund at VNHC. Located in our Henrico Clinic, the Connections Center is a large space available for use by our community partners.
Not long after the Connections Center opened, a group of ladies from River Road Church, Baptist(RRCB) came to tour the clinic. They were looking for a way to help our patients in a non-clinic setting. When they saw the new space, they asked if they could start a sewing circle.
CrossOver Intake Coordinator Ede Bahia loved the idea, and began signing up CrossOver patients who were looking for fellowship and activities outside of the home.
"Many immigrant women who stay home and take care of their families, can become isolated," Ede says. "This class is a way for them to meet new people and learn new skills."
RRCB member Margaret Phelps recruited fellow church members with crafting skills to share, and the RRBC Missions Committee bought sewing machines and materials for the class.
The sewing circle began with basic sewing skills. Students were making headbands, bags, and table runners. Soon they were on to advanced projects, using patterns to make blouses, skirts, and other clothing.
This year, the ladies from RRBC have added knitting and quilting lessons, and the members of Circulo de Costura have been invited to exhibit the items they've made in an art show at RRBC.
Thanks to volunteers like Margaret and partners like River Road Church, Baptist, we are able to provide much more than healthcare for our patients.
