HAPPY HANDS #12 - 2015

***CHALLENGE HAS BEEN COMPLETED***

Over on our Facebook page, we just completed a challenge for A Woman's Place shelter in Greeley, Colorado, (which didn't get posted here on the blog), and we would also like to do a "Happy Hands" challenge for them.   "Happy Hands" provides the women and children at the shelter with the supplies needed to either learn or continue a craft that they can carry with them when they leave the shelter.....one that we hope will provide them the many hours of enjoyment and relaxation that we receive from our craft.

For A Woman's Place, we would like to provide the following:

     15 skeins of yarn   -   DONE

     10 pairs of knitting needles  (size 8, 9, or 10 - no longer than 14")   -   DONE

     10 crochet hooks (sizes G, H, I)   -   DONE

     10 pairs children's blunt-tip scissors   -   DONE

     10 large-eye plastic yarn needles   -   DONE



MAILING DEADLINE:    NOVEMBER 30, 2015


MAILING ADDRESS:    (Please do NOT include the name of the shelter when mailing!)

     TINA JOHNSON
     CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE
     P. O. BOX 71
     GREELEY,  COLORADO    80632


This Challenge is also running on our Facebook page and many pledges will be coming in there.  We will update the numbers still needed as pledges come in.   If you would like to make a pledge for this challenge, please put your pledge in a "comment" below and we will receive it through our email.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Rachel, Judy, and Lynne

HAPPY HANDS CHALLENGE #11 - 2015

TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION
Bethel, Alaska

Since the Bethel shelter has an art therapy program in place for its residents and we haven't done an HH challenge since August, we would like to be able to provide them with some supplies to encourage them and pass along our love for our crafts.

Members of the local community are the shelter's "support group". During these support group sessions, a lot of knitting, crocheting, sewing and art projects go on.

For the Bethel shelter:

15 skeins of yarn (worsted weight, acrylic) - Still need 15 skeins

15 prs. of children's scissors - Still need 5 prs.

15 prs. knitting needles (sizes 8 to 10, preferably) - Still need 15 prs.

15 crochet hooks (sizes G, H, I, or J) - Still need 5 hooks

15 large eye plastic yarn needles - Still need 5 yarn needles


MAILING DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 10, 2015

MAIL TO:   KIM TWITCHELL

                 P. O. BOX 2029

                 BETHEL, ALASKA 99559

As with the other two challenges, please DO NOT INCLUDE the name of the shelter in the mailing address. Thank You!

COZIES FOR PETS #11 - 2015

TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION

Bethel, Alaska

****CHALLENGE COMPLETED****

Many domestic violence shelters around the country have realized that providing pet shelter services to their clients often means the difference between a DV victim remaining with the abuser or leaving and seeking shelter. They know that if they leave their pets behind that there is a good possibility that the pets will be abused in their absence. More and more shelters are beginning to add on-site pet services or partnering with local animal shelters or rescues to take care of these pets or find foster or other permanent homes for them.

The shelter in Bethel, Alaska, partners with a local Canine Rescue group to house animals when the ladies need to come to the shelter. Just recently, they watched the cats of one of their residents. The shelter staff think that it would be"awesome" if our group could provide some nice warm cozies (blankets/mats) for this group. We all know that it must be very, very cold in the northern part of Alaska and they have very long winters up there, so here is what we would like to supply to them:

4 - 20" x 20" blankets - DONE!

4 - 24" x 24" blankets - DONE!

4 - 24" x 30" or 30" x 30" blankets - DONE!

Please remember: DO NOT INCLUDE the name of the shelter in the address on your package!

MAILING DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 10, 2015

MAIL TO:    KIM TWITCHELL
                  P. O. BOX 2029
                  BETHEL, ALASKA 99559



Please DO NOT include the name of the shelter in the mailing address.   Thank You!

CHALLENGE #33 - 2015

TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION
Bethel, Alaska

*******CHALLENGE COMPLETED******

All shelters offer valuable programs for the residents of the shelter and also provide programs for their communities.  One valuable such program at Tundra Women's Coalition is TAAV - Teens Acting Against Violence. 

An important part of the programs at TWC is TAAV.  This program is for teens living in Bethel for ages 12-18.  The group focus is on peer education and outreach.  TAAV members speak out to engage peers about issues such as domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, types of abuse, suicide, substance abuse, etc. through discussion, activities and the experiences and wisdom of other members.  They share their knowledge, with peers and communities throughout the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta.  They travel to village classrooms, perform skits at conferences and events, record PSAs for radio, etc.  Many participants of TAAV feel that the program helps them make sense of their experiences and provides support for living a sober, nonviolent life. 

Many of the members of TAAV now work for the Tundra Women's Coalition and one has become a member of the Board of Directors of the shelter. 

Let's send to Alaska:

Update at 2:15 - I'm adding 5 women sizes in LARGE size.  ----  DONE

40 Women     ---- DONE
3 Teen Boys   ----  DONE
8 Preteen Girls   --DONE
8 Preteen Boys     --  DONE
9 Youth Girls     ---   DONE
9 Youth boys    ---  DONE
9 Toddler Girls     ---- DONE
9 Toddler Boys      ----DONE
4 Girls Booties     --  DONE
4 Boy Booties      DONE

100 Washcloths    ----DONE


Mailing Deadline:  November 2, 2015

Send to:  Kim Twitchell
P.O. Box 2029
Bethel, AK 99559

Please DO NOT include the name of the shelter in the mailing address.  Thank You.