Crafty with purpose

How do you put back together the broken fabric of life? How can that be accomplished behind bars?

The art of crocheting takes on new meaning in prison. This selfless work helps the AIC (Adults in Custody) develop self-esteem, pride in their work, and satisfaction in themselves. The same end goal is behind everything they create: Help others with no expectation of reward.

They are not doing it because they need a pat on the back. They are just doing it as an act of kindness and rendering service not knowing where it is going or who’s to get the benefit of it.

Years ago, Visions of Hope discovered AICs (women and men) are wonderful yarn artists and always impress us with the quality and care that goes into each piece.  Touching lives of others is the intention of these creations. 

What does it look like?

A dedicated AIC who sponsors an Otino Waa Child sent this to her child because she knew he liked basketball.

Our teams to Uganda allows us (or you) to be creative with passing on love from prisoners to rural folks.

If you have attended any of our art events, you will have the opportunity to see how fashionable you can be.

One of the things that really impresses us is how crochet can be used to help an AIC. From those we have met inside prison, it seems to be a great stress-reliever. Many people use crochet to relax in an almost meditative manner. Crochet is also great for the self-esteem since it involves working to create a finished product that you can be proud of. Plus crochet gives you a chance to help others through donations of crocheted items and sometimes helping others is the best way to help yourself.

These are common statements from AIC;

“Stereotypes are meant to be broken,”

• “It started out as an experiment… I had no idea it would come to this.”
• “Just pour me my coffee, hand me my crochet, and slowly back away.”
• “Crocheting is 3% talent and 97% not being distracted.”
• “The facility doctor said I need more Fiber (yarn, thread, cotton, acrylic).”
• “I feel disconnection from my family, especially my kids. It gives me a sense of doing something positive for someone else’s child or someone else in need.”
• “Donating what I crochet makes me feel like I’m doing something to pay my debt to society. We all have histories. I know how really good it felt when someone was generous to me, when I was doing pretty bad. So I’m just glad to be able to give back.”
• From the men – “Stereotypes are meant to be broken, and in this particular case crocheting by a man for the needy in society gives me a sense of worth.”

What does this mean for you? Consider who your neighbor might be. 90% of these men and women will get out of prison one day, and they WILL be living in your community.  What experiences will help form their sense of values and connection to community?

How can you be a part of this story in very simple way? 

Donate yarn!

Even though we are not able to visit these artists right now, we can send yarn!  From what we hear, all supplies are running low or completely gone.  Right now, is the time to go to your closet shelf or that almost forgotten box in the garage. 

There are great things that can be done for other people that do not take a lot of time or money. Send what you have and know you will be changing lives in the process!

PLEASE SEND YOUR DONATED YARN (no tools please)