Cynthia T

Social Services Coordinator

The participants are so excited and motivated. It has been a great move of creativity and socialism in the building since they have developed a love for crocheting and knitting. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and creativity.

 

Shirley B-B

Client

I had a stroke and couldn’t crochet, and with the help of the volunteers and a lot of practice I can crochet again! My doctor says my left hand has really strengthened from my crochet work!

 

E. Lee K.

Client

It has been exciting and satisfactory to find I am capable of crocheting. I realize my abilities need practice but I'm enjoying the work I'm doing. I feel very proud of this new challenge, my minor accomplishments, and of what I have produced. With Betsy's and Jessie's help I can keep learning and create more handworks, which makes me feel proud. Thanks!

 

Zakie K.

Client

The Handability vonlunteers have changed my life. I like the group and knitting makes me not focus on my pain. The knitting is my therapy. The volunteers are wonderful and support us. I love the colors of the yarn they provide for us. It really amazes me. I’ve become addicted to knitting!

 

Pam O-Q, LMFT
Resident Service Coordinator
Lawrence Moore Manor

The wonderful volunteers from Handability come to the Senior Housing site, Lawrence Moore Manor, every Monday morning and teach knitting crafts to the residents in our cozy lobby.

 

Jessie, Betsy, and Carol are cheerful and upbeat, and the residents have enjoyed learning to knit infant hats for hospitals, scarves, and other handmade items. The knitting group has attracted seniors who normally don't participate in activities, and other residents pop in to play music or just chat with the volunteers. It's a heartwarming scene and the volunteers' positive energy is much appreciated!

 

Betsy

Volunteer

Sometimes you find a treasure buried in your backyard. I found a treasure behind my grocery store, in the lobby of an apartment 5 minutes away. I volunteered to teach knitting there for Handability. I showed up with a friend and knitting needles and small balls of yarn and not very much confidence. I didn’t know we were entering a new realm of laughter, wisdom, discovery, and so much more.

We knit every week, and we crochet. Some of us are experts, making beautiful blankets and curtains, sharing lifetimes of delicate work. Some of us have always wanted to try, and now finally we are trying, one stitch at a time. Some of us remember a loved one far away and knitting helps to soothe those memories and bring the loved one closer. We knit for our children and our sisters. We crochet for a baby we will never know, but hope that a little hat will help a family in those first few days. Our hands move and rest; sometimes we just talk together.

 

Michelle

Volunteer

Knitting is a form of creativity in which anyone can participate. As a volunteer for Handability, I have been impressed with Alzheimer patients who still have the muscle memory to knit as they did in their younger days. At the same time, with a little coaxing I have been able to show them new stitches, which they are able to replicate. Knitting can truly transcend most disabilities, providing a creative form of expression for everyone. I should know: I too am disabled, I’m a knitter, and I'm a Handability volunteer.