Caitlin Wojciechowski, a teacher at Grand Island High School, wanted to do something to inspire her students in honor of Women’s History Month. With the help of the school’s art teacher, Jackie Carpenter, the two educators came up with a plan that would give their students hands-on experience while giving back to the community.
“We wanted to highlight what services are available in our community for women in all capacities,” explained Ms. Wojciechowski. “Outside of the Greater Buffalo community, Grand Island has a high rate of domestic violence, which is why I chose this topic to focus on for a community-based project.”
After conducting some research, Ms. Wojciechowski discovered Child and Family Services (C+FS) Haven House and learned what C+FS does for the community. Soon after, Haven House advocates visited the school to speak to Ms. Wojciechowski’s students and help them learn more about domestic violence prevention. The conversation sparked more interest among the students about Haven House and, as a result, created a deeper meaning for the project.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership we were looking for,” Ms. Wojciechowski emphasized. “The presentation enhanced the experience because not only did we want to do something for the community, but we wanted our students to learn from the community as well.”
Ms. Wojciechowski believes her students are more equipped to have conversations with others if they were to recognize signs of domestic violence, especially amongst friends in dating relationships. The students were even more enthusiastic to learn their quilts will be benefitting 12-16-year-olds – people around their age – at Haven House.
“For all of us at the school, making the quilts and having these conversations in the classroom was a form of meditation,” stated Ms. Carpenter. “We acknowledge what is happening in our community and we’re meeting someone else’s needs by providing something unique, comforting and useful.”
The quilts are anticipated to be ready for pick-up and delivered to Haven House within the next couple weeks. Thank you, Ms. Wojciechowski, Jackie and all your students for your thoughtful donation to benefit survivors of domestic violence.