Blanket project brings healing to women prisoners

Every Tuesday afternoon four women incarcerated at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ont. make blankets for Mennonite Central Committee humanitarian aid shipments.

Krista, a mother of three children ages four to 11, has been involved in the program since it started in March 2006.

MCC Ontario volunteer Laura Nafziger and Krista make blankets for MCC as part of the Grand Valley Institution for Women employment program. MCC News photo: Joanie Peters

“I’m here (in prison) because I took a life,” said Krista. “I joined the program so that I can give something back to the world and to be at peace with myself. It brings tears to my eyes and goose bumps to be able to give something back to the world.”

Working with the women are 14 volunteers recruited and trained by MCC Ontario to develop trusting relationships with the women who are serving sentences of two years or more in this federal institution.

Just like women making blankets in church basements they talk about the ordinary things in life – their families, favourite food, hobbies, and skills.

“This is very peaceful and healing,” said Michelle. “It’s like you are part of a group. I have made bad choices but there is more to me than my crime. I like to sew, I like to quilt, and I like working with Mennonite women. They give of their time, not only to quilt but also to see us. We work together as if we have known each other forever. It’s a nice feeling.”

This non-judgmental support, she added, is helping her and others start the process of reintegration into society.

Getting to know women serving time in prison is also changing the lives of volunteers. Anna Mary Brubacher, a volunteer who has been involved with the program since it started, said at first she was apprehensive about going into a prison.

“But the first time you meet the women, you realize they are just like us – they are mothers, sisters, and daughters,” she said. “They care about their children. They are women who have made bad choices.”

The program is a partnership between the correctional facility and MCC Ontario’s material resources and restorative justice departments and also receives community support from individuals and businesses through donations of fabric and sewing machines.

Each year, MCC ships more than 85,000 blankets to people who have been victims of poverty, war, and disaster.

—Gladys Terichow, MCC