Quality Life Center
teens explore weaving - an art form made possible by a $3,208 grant from the
Southwest Florida Community Foundation.
Quality Life Center received a $3,208
grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to support a project that
brings experienced weavers from the community together with students from the
center’s teen program. The project provides teens with the opportunity to learn
how to weave, as well as basic business skills.
It
all began when the historic Newcomb Loom, owned by the Weavers of Char-Lee, was
looking for a home. The loom came to Quality Life Center in 2013, and local
weavers began coming in to instruct youth about its use. But having only one
big loom made it difficult for everyone to get hands-on experience.
The
Southwest Florida Community Foundation appreciated the partnership, and
provided funding for weaving supplies as well as smaller, individual looms for
the students to create items. Students will learn how to market their
products, and begin selling them locally. Students are working on projects from
belts to bracelets to suspenders.
“I
never envisioned the girls having such a desire to weave!”, said Teen
Instructor Shari Armstrong. “Getting them to transition from weaving to a
different activity has proven to be very challenging! They are truly enjoying
this art form and we enjoy watching them exercise discipline and focus while
working on their projects.”
Youth
will also gain communication skills when they demonstrate their weaving skills
and interact with the public during events. The first takes place on ROC
Day at the Fort Myers Regional Library on January 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. until
4:00 p.m.
Quality
Life Center thanks the Southwest Florida Community Foundation for providing an
opportunity for the students in the “Leaders In Training of Excellence Teen
Program” to collaborate with experienced, local artists.
About
Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida
Quality
Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the community by
developing the potential of underserved populations in Southwest Florida
through early learning and youth development programs, including afterschool
and teen and summer camp programs. For 24 years, the “Q” has been instilling
values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency. Quality Life Center is
headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. For more information, call (239)
334-2797 or visit http://www.qualitylifecenter.org.