Success StoryMaster Clothing Volunteers Meet Community Needs



Master Clothing Volunteers Meet Community Needs

Author: Mary S Averbeck

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: 4-H Volunteer Programming

Plan of Work: Adult Leadership Development

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

There is high demand for sewing instruction for youth and adults in Northern Kentucky. Sixteen Master Clothing Volunteers with the Cooperative Extension Service meet this need. They teach workshops for youth and adults in beginning, intermediate and advanced clothing construction techniques, quilting, crafting, machine embroidery and creating fashion accessories.   Over 1,690 hours in teaching and community service were provided by eleven volunteers that reported hours. Based on the value of $25.43 per hour for 2019 (according to Independent Sector, US. average), the collective volunteer time has a value of $39,484.85.    Most schools no longer teach sewing. The cost of taking sewing instruction from retail centers is cost prohibitive for many citizens as sewing instructors in the local area charge $25 per hour. At this rate the sewing volunteers saved residents over $22,600. The volunteers educated 2,178 people in the name of the Cooperative Extension Service in Northern Kentucky.  Evaluation was formal or informal.  Skill achievement sheets were kept for youth learning to sew and completed projects were an indicator of success for both youth and adults.  Youth also wrote achievement stories about their projects.   Many volunteers led sewing projects in other venues like churches and schools.  In-person sewing instruction was suspended in March.  In response to the COVID 19 situation, these ladies have made 1077 face coverings for family, friends and the medical community.    Not only did the individuals learning to sew benefit from increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment, but the greater community benefited as well.   Face coverings contributed to the health and safety of the community in preventing the spread of COVID 19.






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