Nearly one year ago, local real estate agent Sheri Rodgers dropped off a box of twelve hand-knitted scarves as Christmas gifts for the women and children residing at The Nest domestic violence shelter. Following her footsteps, many other realtors and property managers, both within her office and outside, joined together to offer even more support and gifts for the shelter. When the holiday season was over, Rodgers kept going.
Now, as a Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) board member, Rodgers has attended education, outreach and fundraising events to benefit the shelter, strategic planning committees, training seminars and has even been given a lesson or two on legislative advocacy. One of the many ways she stands out as a board member is by way of carrying on her tradition; she acts as the leader of an impromptu knitting group that raises money for the Nest.
Following her original donation, Rodgers continued knitting scarves through the early spring. While chatting with Josie Powell, a former HEAL board member and owner of Josie’s Framery, the two arranged a plan. Rodgers dropped off scarves at the shop, and as they sold, the money would be sent to the shelter. The duo raised over $800 in a few months.
Then interest grew. “As my yarn shipments arrived, some of the ladies around me started saying they wished they knew how to knit, so I taught them,” said Rodgers. “They, and one gentleman I’ve taught to knit, have been happily knitting away for the residents of The Nest, as well as making scarves to be sold at Josie’s Framery. As we post on Facebook the pictures of the scarves that we’re taking to Josie’s, other knitters, and non-knitters who want to learn, have joined our Knitting for The Nest group.”
As the group has grown, the meet-ups have become more regular and are providing a time to socialize and decompress. “We’ll meet right after work at La Junta Guest Ranch,” Rodgers said. “We bring a light snack, build a big fire in the fireplace and just have some quality knitting time with friends. After some long, hard days at work, it’s great just to be able to un-wind for a couple of hours with others who enjoy the same hobby.”
“Women and children who arrive at The Nest most often have very little in the way of personal belongings with them,” Rodgers said. “If we can give them something to help them stay warm and feel just a little bit special, it’s a great feeling. The scarves are also one-of-a-kind, hand-knitted creations that have a lot of money and time tied up in them.
“To sell those and donate that money to benefit the women and children at The Nest leaves us all feeling like we’ve done something to help someone who needs a new beginning. If you’ve got a talent or skill that you want to share with a great organization, there’s not a more rewarding feeling than helping your local domestic violence shelter.”
The scarves sell at Josie’s Framery for between $25 and $55. Special thanks go to the knitting group, which includes HEAL board member Rachel Weber, former board members Josie Powell and Lynn Myers, HEAL employees Sue Francis, Jessica Martinez and Britta Magnusson, and volunteers Daryl Smith, Audrey Gochenour, Felicia Wilmeth, Sharon Young, Diane Born and Sabrina Olson.
Pictured is Josie Powell, owner of Josie’s Framery, with many of the beautiful scarves offered as a fundraiser to benefit The Nest domestic violence shelter.
