Sometimes, one can find good deeds being done in seemingly unlikely places. A sewing group at the New Castle Correctional Facility is a good example.
About 80 inmates at the prison just north of New Castle are involved in the sewing program. Groups of 20 or so meet for a couple hours each Monday through Friday and collaborate on quilts, blankets, stuffed animals and more. Some of those involved also crochet scarfs and stocking caps. Recently, they started making weighted blankets that have been shown to be beneficial for autistic children. They also have entered some of their work at the Henry County 4-H Fair and even gone on to do well at the Indiana State Fair.
The sewing program at the GEO-operated facility started in 2013 and has grown with each passing year. It is overseen by NCCF Program Director Andy Beguhn, with assistance from a community volunteer who shares her expertise with the inmates, something that enables them to hone their skills and improve the quality of their work.
According to Beguhn, inmates involved in the sewing group must be participants in the PLUS (Purposeful Living Unit Serve) program.
“PLUS is a statewide program at multiple facilities involving male, female and juveniles that contains a core curriculum of faith and character-based activities to help aid in the successful re-entry of the offender population,” Beguhn explained.
The various items the sewing group makes are sent to a wide range of places including the AGAPE Therapeutic Riding Center near Cicero, Karnes County Residential Center in Texas, Franklin County (Indiana) Schools, Westminster Community Center in New Castle, Lifestream in east-central Indiana, VA hospitals and many others.
Beguhn said being involved in the program teaches those involved some important lessons.
“They learn that it’s no longer about the self,” he said. “Their only reward for participation is the thanks that they get from the staff and those who write back expressing their appreciation. Most of those incarcerated have made selfish decisions and this is an opportunity to give back. They learn a sense of appreciation for doing something and getting nothing in return.”
None of the finished products done by sewing group members are completed by just one inmate. Beguhn said the program emphasizes teamwork and helping others, so every item involves many hands from start to finish.
Some of the materials needed for the sewing group’s efforts are donated; others are purchased with PLUS program funds.
Beguhn also noted the PLUS program requires those involved to complete 365 hours of community service per year, and time in the sewing club count towards that total.
The inmates involved in the sewing group clearly enjoy it.
“The best thing I get out of this is the opportunity to give back to the community,” Bryan Hoffa said. “To be able to do something positive with my time while I’m here. It keeps me active and it goes to a good purpose.”
Scott Grose agreed.
“There’s a sense of accomplishment in giving back to the community,” he said. “It’s a change in yourself and being a better person, helping other people and knowing you’re doing something good. Not for the recognition, just because you know they need the help.”
Jeff Roberts said he grew up sewing with his grandma and enjoys sharing some of the things he learned with his fellow inmates.
Bryan Collier said many of those incarcerated are there because they were self-centered and didn’t care about others, and that there is a lot of positive growth that comes from helping other people.
At least one participant, Brad Stantz, said he intends to continue to sew after his release, joking that his family has already acquired a sewing machine for just that purpose.
Jerry Danielson noted that he enjoys learning the intricacies of the different sewing machines the group uses for assorted purposes and said he has already had conversations with people “on the outside” about the opportunities his new found skills lend themselves to. He added that being part of the PLUS program and the sewing group has taught him the value of community service, something he intends to engage in upon his release.
