Young mothers and mothers-to-be, who are in the residential program of St. Monica Home, are getting the chance to expand their life skills through the recent offering of weekly sewing lessons, provided by Doris Kennedy of Dyer, seated at left; and Lucy DiMichelle of Schererville, seated at right; longtime sewing enthusiasts, who are volunteering their skills and time to the program. The machines and related fabric and other supplies were procured through the efforts of Joanne Markiewicz of Schererville, standing, at left. who spearheaded a community effort beginning in November that culminated in March when the lessons began.
So far, five young women have gone through the training, normally starting with making such items as pajama pants and diaper covers. “We wanted to offer the girls something they could learn and use the rest of their lives; something that also could benefit their self-esteem,” Markiewicz said. She coordinated the effort through Laura Mannion, standing at right, Franciscan Alliance Foundation director of development. The program is in need of supplies, crafts, a portable sewing machine and fabric store gift cards.
Donations can be made by contacting Mannion at (219) 661-3404. St. Monica Home is located on the Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer campus, 24 Joliet St. Since 1994, the home has offered a medically sound and emotionally healthy residential environment for women aged 12 to 21, who are awaiting the birth of a child or have recently given birth. Residents, whose average length of stay is nine months, learn positive relationships and parenting skills, under the guidance of resident advisers. For more information, call (219) 865-2141, ext. 45284.