Refuge for Women is a national network of faith based, restorative homes providing residential long-term care and emergency housing for women that are survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Their mission is to provide a residential healing and equipping experience for women to identify and pursue their dreams. Programs provided are charged with offering life skill development, such as SNAP-Ed programming in foods and nutrition, financial education and adoption of healthy, sometimes creative skills for mental health growth. 

Following initial contact with the program director, background checks and training, This Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent and the Nutrition Education assistant were given permission to visit the Refuge House for nutrition education programming by the NEP assistant and further educational programs in needle-arts and sewing by the FCS Agent. Visits with the residents may only be once or be continuous for several weeks depending on status of the residents. Starting when the house opened, June 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, wearing masks and maintaining social distance; oddly enough cooking/nutrition programs were the easier programs because of the expansive kitchen areas. 

42 residents of Refuge House throughout the year were participants in needle-arts or sewing programs. The goal was not to finish elaborate projects, but to introduce various skills such as threading a needle, sewing on a button, or how to use scissors. In between learning some basics, residents were introduced to embroidery, weaving and sewing. Needlework can be a way to learn new skills of the mind, heart and hands.  Handwork develops focus and concentration. It encourages following a process in order to complete a project. It enhances critical thinking and math skills. It increases hand/eye coordination, small motor skills, and builds self-esteem.

As one resident stated, "I pull out my embroidery project at night in my bunk. Working on my stitches as I weave the thread across the fabric relaxes me, clears my mind and settles me down to sleep each night."