As the mother of an adult daughter with autism, Lori Weber learned it took a team of caring teachers, direct service providers, social service assistants, and other care providers and specialists for her daughter to reach her potential in education.
As the mother of an adult daughter with autism, Lori Weber learned it took a team of caring teachers, direct service providers, social service assistants, and other care providers and specialists for her daughter to reach her potential in education.
Graduation changes everything for people with developmental disabilities.
“While typical graduates go to college or get jobs, DD graduates often fall into a routine that leads to a dormant lifestyle with few opportunities to challenge themselves and grow,” Weber said.
As a result, Weber founded NPower Services, which helps adults with special needs build meaningful lives by finding volunteering, music, art, service, fitness and employment-building opportunities.
They also run Project Kindness, which aims to align self-care and service opportunities for adults who want to contribute to making a kinder world.
The project recently launched a Kindness Sewing Circle Feb. 7 at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon, for people of all abilities.
The circle provides a creative space for participants to craft projects benefiting others in need.
In collaboration with Sew4Service and Celebration Lutheran, the free event takes place on the first Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through May 2, Weber said.
At the first meeting, participants put their love of sewing and caring into creating placemats for the Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry.
“Like all NPower Services’ activities, we hope that all the participants gain a sense of satisfaction for contributing to something meaningful to them,” Weber said. “It has always been about helping people feel good in their own skin. After all, it’s tough to be kind to others when we’re constantly battling negative self-talk or focusing too much on our limitations. Sure, it’s important to be realistic about what we can accomplish—but why settle for limits at all? When we focus on what brings us joy and actively pursue it, we build confidence, no matter our abilities. And when we feel good about ourselves, that energy naturally spills over into the larger community.”
Project Kindness’ activities follow a simple, but powerful formula, Weber said — do something kind for yourself, then do it again for someone else.
“Thanks to (Executive Director) Lucy Kulbago at Sew4Service, who generously shared her creativity and resources, this collaboration has given members of the developmentally disabled community the opportunity to learn new skills, express themselves and give back in meaningful ways,” Weber said.
Sew4Service’s mission is to build a community of service-minded, creative people who sew, quilt, crochet and knit, according to the organization.
Weber said by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, they are proving that kindness starts within and has the power to transform communities.
“In the case of this Kindness Sewing Circle, we’re putting people who frequently are labeled ‘disabled’ into a role where they can be on the giving end of service,” Weber said.
The whirr of sewing machines filled the spacious narthex Feb. 7 as members chatted and placed love into their creations.
“They’re spending time doing something they enjoy with other like-minded, crafty people,” Weber said.
Kulbago began sewing shortly after her first child was born by making baby items. She eventually learned how to make quilts she gifted to family members and friends.
“We teach people new skills to empower them to be confident creators and to touch the lives of people and pets in their community,” she said, of Sew4Sew. “We promote sustainable sewing through our upcycling, recycling and environmental impact programs.”
Kulbago enjoys teaching people how to sew and witnessing how proud they are of their creation and the joy in those who receive the handmade items.
Before the Kindness Sewing Circle idea took shape last fall, the group made 100 placemats with fall- and winter-themed fabrics for local veterans.
This time, they created 100 more placemats with St. Valentine’s- and St. Patrick’s Day-themes fabrics.
“We don’t often know who receives our handmade items and the impact it has on their day, but we trust that receiving a handmade item brings them joy and love and helps them know they are not alone or forgotten,” Kulbago said.
The group plans to make a variety of items at their upcoming gatherings — baby burp cloths, tote bags, bowl cozies and more based on the needs of the charitable organizations receiving them.
Marian Wernet, of Chester Township, has been sewing since she was 12 years old, and at age 77, she continues to enjoy the craft and the camaraderie.
“The Kindness Circle is an excellent opportunity to interact with people with special abilities on projects that help others,” Wernet said.
Melissa Kapela, of Bainbridge Township, has been sewing for as long as she can remember.
Her grandma taught her as a child, and at age 98, her grandma still enjoys sewing.
“Project Kindness projects are great,” Kapela said. “I love it. I especially like doing things that help veterans. I am a veteran. I served in the United States Navy for three and a half years. So, anything to help vets I love to do.”
The Kindness Sewing Circle welcomes anyone wishing to attend.
“We have room for everyone of all abilities and experience levels,” Weber said. “Come for the whole time, or as long as you are able.”
Contact Anne Marie Wolfe at AnneMarie@NPowerServices.com or register online at
www.npowerservices.com.
Sew4Sew accepts donations of supplies and equipment in order to upcycle fabric and yarn into handmade items donated to local charities.
Contact Lucy Kulbago at lucy.kulbago@sew4service.org.
