Sewing Lab Installed and Dedicated
Due to the support of Vessels of Mercy International of Richmond, Virginia, the sewing machine lab has been installed and the initial training has been completed. The girls are very excited about the program, which will have three primary goals: giving the girls a marketable skill, allowing the girls to make some of their own clothes and other materials for the home (i.e. towels), and encouraging the girls to make items that could be sold to benefit the home. This is Phase 1 of a three-phase project. The next phase will add machines to make jeans.
The Dora Overby Sewing Lab is housed in the Dorcas Sewing Room on the 4th floor and currently contains four industrial sewing machines, one home sewing machine, five rolling adjustable chairs, and a lockable storage cabinet. Marc and Wade, from the LGCLC Missions team, repaired the door and installed a heavier lock for security purposes. The lab is also protected by a security alarm system.
Dora Overby is the grandmother of Bev Gibson, the Director of Vessels of Mercy and a strong supporter of the ministry at the home. Dora is 84, has been a seamstress all her life and has experienced some of the same early-life struggles as the girls at the home. She was instrumental in helping Vessels to establish the lab and, since she cannot sew because of health issues, she is donating all of her sewing materials to the home. A plaque, indicating her role in this project, will be added to the sewing lab at a later date.
If you or your group wish to assist with this project, here are the current needs:
1. Even though the owners of the company have promised to provide on-going training, we would like to hire a sewing teacher to come three days a week to direct the program for maximum efficiency and return from the investment. We have already located a person who is willing and anxious to handle this task. This teacher would be able to work closely with 15-20 girls (in four separate sessions) to learn the specifics of the sewing trade. This will cost app. $150 per month.
2. The next machine that needs to be purchased, which will allow the girls to make jeans, costs $4,000.
3. Donations for material and threads are always needed in any amount.
Here are some first-day pictures of the installation of the lab:
PTL!
The Dora Overby Sewing Lab is housed in the Dorcas Sewing Room on the 4th floor and currently contains four industrial sewing machines, one home sewing machine, five rolling adjustable chairs, and a lockable storage cabinet. Marc and Wade, from the LGCLC Missions team, repaired the door and installed a heavier lock for security purposes. The lab is also protected by a security alarm system.
Dora Overby is the grandmother of Bev Gibson, the Director of Vessels of Mercy and a strong supporter of the ministry at the home. Dora is 84, has been a seamstress all her life and has experienced some of the same early-life struggles as the girls at the home. She was instrumental in helping Vessels to establish the lab and, since she cannot sew because of health issues, she is donating all of her sewing materials to the home. A plaque, indicating her role in this project, will be added to the sewing lab at a later date.
If you or your group wish to assist with this project, here are the current needs:
1. Even though the owners of the company have promised to provide on-going training, we would like to hire a sewing teacher to come three days a week to direct the program for maximum efficiency and return from the investment. We have already located a person who is willing and anxious to handle this task. This teacher would be able to work closely with 15-20 girls (in four separate sessions) to learn the specifics of the sewing trade. This will cost app. $150 per month.
2. The next machine that needs to be purchased, which will allow the girls to make jeans, costs $4,000.
3. Donations for material and threads are always needed in any amount.
Here are some first-day pictures of the installation of the lab:
PTL!
These are nice & we hope that the girls get some much needed training so they can put the money made into good use for themselves & others. God is so good & many thanks too those who made this happen. May GOD have a very special Blessing upon you all
Bill & Maryjane
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