Every Friday, an elderly group of multilingual refugee women gather at our Olathe Family Support Center. They are there for the Sewing Wellness Program, but the activity goes beyond refining their stitching skills. It’s a safe place that fosters a sense of community.
“The Sewing Wellness Program was launched around 2016 to help refugee clients socially acclimate and become more comfortable within their new community,” said Kaitlyn Sylva, Refugee Health and Benefits Manager. The group is a branch of Refugee Wellness Services that is offered as part of our ongoing case management services to refugees. Classes are offered year-round (three annual sessions) and typically host four to ten students per session. They are led by Ana Paz Serrano, Wellness Psychosocial Services Program Specialist, alongside volunteers.
The program primarily serves elderly refugee women, providing them with a space to socialize, practice English, and develop or refine their sewing skills. “This program motivates our clients,” shared Serrano. “For those who’ve experienced trauma or depression, it offers a boost in confidence and a comforting reminder of home.”
Instructors and volunteers interact with participants in English, exchanging simple greetings and asking questions. The class also provides an activity for women to practice at home. “Many of our clients make clothes for themselves or their families,” noted Serrano.
Serrano shared a heartwarming story of one woman who initially missed several classes due to her English speaking skills. She quit the program and then later rejoined in a later session. The second time around, she was also enrolled in Digital Navigation and English Language Learning classes. “I could see her confidence had grown. She even told me she now likes speaking English,” Serrano recalled. “Seeing that transformation is really fulfilling.”
The team is welcome to expand the program into areas beyond sewing. “In the past, leather-working, crocheting and other hand-held craft classes were offered,” said Sylva. “If volunteers are passionate about teaching any kind of craft, we are open to exploring that,” she added. Volunteers interested in shadowing the program or helping out are always welcome. The program also accepts donations of sewing materials, patterns and even sewing machine repair services.
