Needle Exchange of a Different Sort

Part vocational training, part 12-step program, part social circle, the Growing through Sewing project in New Haven and its parent program, Village of Power, are giving homeless, addicted women a new outlook on life.

"I get stressed out," says Pat, who lives at the Columbus House shelter. "I come here, it takes my mind off the drinking. We get together and do teamwork. We got projects to get out."

The women are beading necklaces, learning to use computers, and sewing aprons, tote bags, scarves, and shawls. The Hill Health Center, a nonprofit clinic in New Haven, ordered 100 tote bags with pockets on the front.

Vivian Elbert, instructor for the advanced sewing class, includes recovery messages in her lessons. Showing women how to cut a piece of fabric, Elbert explains that sometimes you also need to cut out a bad part of your life--like the people and places that tempt you to do drugs.

"I teach how to sew straight, and also how to walk straight," she says.

(10/15/2004)