A new program is enabling women inmates in Prince Edward Island jails to give back to the community by crocheting items for people in need.

The community impact program is supported by Open Door Outreach and correctional centre staff, enabling the women in custody to crochet items such as hats, mitts, dishcloths, and baby clothing using yarn donated by the community.

Open Door Outreach was co-founded by Cheryl Millman and Wanda Livingston and registered as a charity in 2005. With a focus on helping rebuild the lives of people struggling with addiction and incarcerated individuals, the charity supports the crochet program by collecting yarn donations from the community and distributing the finished items afterwards. The program takes place inside the correctional centre, where staff provide space, tools, and encouragement for participants. Some staff members share crochet patterns, while many of the women teach and support each other as they learn new skills. Currently, about 25 percent of the women at the facility participate in the program.

The program allows participants to relieve their stress by doing something positive and giving back to the community. Participants also feel a sense of pride in their work as their items are donated to local groups, including the Island Pregnancy Centre, Blooming House women’s shelter, and the Community Outreach Centre. Dishcloths and slippers are added to care packages for women leaving the Blooming House shelter, while hats and mittens are sent to the Community Outreach Centre to help people experiencing homelessness during the winter.

The program is a win for all as it offers the women in jail some purpose and direction for their free time, and those in need receive items with a personal touch.

Source: Vivian Ulinwa, The Guardian