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Shack Neighborhood House, Inc Receives Grant
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In January 2006, the Shack
Neighborhood House, Inc. received a grant community outreach
grant totaling $3,000 from the Mollohan Foundation for the
Appalachian Rags to Rugs Program.
Appalachian Rags to Rugs (ARRP) is a nonprofit business
venture that teaches the marketable skill of weaving and
relies heavily on volunteers. ARRP permits adult
participants to weave mostly cellulose goods or fabrics into
hand woven rugs, purses, tote bags, wall hangings, and
placemats using looms. Many socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals benefit from the program
including: mothers of the in-house Happy School program
looking to build confidence and self-esteem; low-income,
low-resource individuals, particularly women seeking a way
to earn extra money to run their households; distressed
individuals who may be in job transition; individuals with
personal and emotional burdens who find the work-friendly
environment less stringent than the traditional workplace.
The Appalachian Rags to Rugs Program strives to preserve and
create an Appalachian heritage of cultural tradition,
encourage creativity, and promote recycling through weaving
hand-made creations. Located in Osage, the program received
the grant for the specific purposes of loom repair and for
the purchase of new tabletop looms and a heavy duty sewing
machine. Volunteers are invited to participate in any or all
of the creative process. Rug cutting is the most popular
activity, but there is a very eager group of volunteer
weavers.
Items woven by participants in the Appalachian Rags to Rugs
Program are sold by West Virginia retailers and have been
exhibited at various fairs and festivals. Appalachian Rags
to Rugs uses recycled clothing and remnant materials and
represents a cottage industry that highlights West
Virginia’s Appalachian heritage.
For more information about Appalachian Rags to Rugs, please
contact Sharon Jackson at 304.599-5466. |
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