Ancient Pathways

To all our Knitters from Dr. Andrea Schwartz of the Friendship Center for the Blind:

CAN YOU HELP???
Friendship Center for the Blind (now called Valley Center for the Blind) was founded 35 years ago. One of the most successful programs in the history of our Center was our knitting and crocheting program. Many elderly blind in the drawing area at the time were isolated due to their blindness and, through no fault of their own, they ended up having no reason to get dressed in the morning, few people to talk to, and little to do all day. It was very hard at that time to convince them to come to Friendship Center. But once our members got there, they tended to come back again and again and AGAIN. They blossomed and couldn't wait until Thursdays when they could have a place to go, friends to talk to, and something useful to do (knitting or crocheting lovely items.)

Over the years our knitting circle fizzled out, due to a lack of skilled volunteers. Today, our center could use a warm, friendly knitting/crocheting circle as much as ever. But this can only happen if we can find a few caring individuals who are willing to give a couple hours of their time to help teach knitting or crocheting to our people.

You do not need any experience with blindness or blind people in order to help...we can teach you all you need to know. And you will be surprised at how easy it is to talk to them, and how delightful our members are. All you need is experience with knitting or crocheting and a kind and loving heart.

As a volunteer, you would come to our center for 2 hours a week on Thursdays from 12:30-2:30 P.M.

The knitting/crocheting leader for the program, Carole James-Wenzel, is an expert in teaching blind individuals to knit and crochet. Carole was the one responsible for the knitting and crocheting circle's stunning success so many years ago when the center was founded. And she is coming back to help us again. But she cannot do it alone.

We are hoping to meet with any potential volunteers on Tuesday, February 5th or Wednesday, February 6th. (We are hoping to find at least one person to help for our first meeting on Thursday, Feb 7th.) However, if you cannot meet us on those days, we can arrange another meeting time. If you would like more information, or are interested in volunteering, please contact one of us:

Carole James-Wenzel (559) 255-8690 or
Dr. Andrea Schwartz (724) 444-0064 (This is long distance, so if you call, I can call you back.)
Or just leave a message with Connie at the Center (559) 222-4447

A little of your time will go a long way towards improving the quality of life for another person. We hope to hear from you soon.