Obama elected president | 11:01 p.m.

Obama wins California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, giving him 324 electoral votes to McCain's 124 (AP). He will be the 44th president of the United States.

After a tight battle against Republican Sen. John McCain, Obama has become the first African American president in the history of the United States.

Obama is set to address his supporters from Chicago's Grant Park.
Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware will be accompanying Obama to the White House as his vice president. Biden made his first unsuccessful bid for president in 1988, and again this year before dropping out. A six-term senator, Biden is the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office comes on Board!!!

In the beginning of October, I had the unique pleasure of meeting Chief of Domestic Violence for the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, Ms. Deirdre Biallo-Padin.

When she called, I was thrilled and hearing of her position, went immediately into our 10 minute "shpiel" on Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. - how we started, how dynamic the organization has become and our upcoming events.......

Only to discover that she had seen our flyer, was an avid knitter and was interested in getting YARN!!!! (LOL). Well we got the particulars, both myself and my husband went to the DA's office to present a the yarn and meet Ms Padin. She had encouraged five of her staff to come on board also and work on items with us. She then gave us a tour of the recently created Family Justice Center. For the first time, women who are pursuing legal recourse for their domestic violence situation can get the assistance they may need regarding a variety of family issues ALL ON ONE FLOOR.

In 1990, when Charles J. Hynes took office as District Attorney of Kings County, he vowed to place a great emphasis on domestic violence. He had a vested interest in this issue - his mother was battered and he experienced the damage done to his own family first hand.

In November 2001, New York City residents voted to amend the City Charter to establish a permanent office that would comprehensively address issues of domestic violence. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg appointed Yolanda B. Jimenez as the first commissioner to head the new office, which is one of only a few government offices in the United States focused solely on the issue of domestic violence.

The Family Justice Center has disposable phones, clothing for those in immediate need, Safe Horizon offices, offices for immigrants from Haiti, Russia and Eastern Europe, South East Asia and India and for the Hasidic community. There are legal services for immigrants and social service offices for those needing housing. And a wonderful children's playcare area.

The staff at the Family Justice Center was really enthusiastic about this type of organization. Working in the service industry for survivors of domestic violence can be quite stressful. To our surprise everyone looked forward to having this way of giving back that was creative and relaxing. They received a full box of yarn and knitting needles to create beautiful items for women who have made the first step towards change!

A powerful ending to DV Awareness Month at Women's Survival Space

The Center Against Domestic Violence is the umbrella organization to three domestic violence residences one of which is Women's Survival Space. On October 29, 2008, Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. collected all of our donations and caravaned them over to Women's Survival Space for their annual commemoration for the residents of their facility. It was an amazing and powerful event (pics will be posted soon!). I want to take a moment to gratefully thank some wonderful men and women without whom this would not be possible. First I would like to thank my husband Babafemi who with amazing patience and overarching enthusiasm is the driver, IT tech, message taker, co-director and consoler throughout this whole process!! (and he can COOK too!) Next is the amazing Chief of Domestic Violence at the Family Justice Center located in the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, Ms. Deirdre Biallo-Padin. Not only is she a silversmith extraordinaire, but she encouraged FIVE of her staff to come on board to assist in creating beautiful items for the women of Women's Survival Space. Next there is Jenny Femia and her cousin Brandy Mui. These women are cable stitchers who can knit their butts off with beautiful cowls and shrugs - YEA YOU!!!. Ramona Kearns came back this year with a matching wrap and hat set that disappeared in seconds. I would be remiss if I did not mention my cousin Pat Sweeting - in a beautiful connection that was stimulated by conversations about our ancestors, my cousin created innumerable scarves that were warm and functional (and she wondered why she had begun knitting scarves a few weeks before!) . Dr. Mary Ann Clark brought in the West Coast flavor with wonderful scarves from Colorado. And with the generous donation of Sofia Negron, we were able to transport all these items to the residence on Wednesday night.

Beginning with a solemn poem read by one of the administrators, the women attending heard of a woman who "received flowers today, even though it was not my birthday, or mother's day". As the poem was read, the reader walked through the dining tables slowly recounting ever growing tales of abuse, which invariably ended with "and I received flowers today, even though it was not my birthday". With each slap which grew to a hit, each kick that grew to being thrown, the reader continued "but I received flowers today....". As she walked throughout the dining room, she got to the rear, where two assistants lifted a cloth revealing a coffin - at which point our reader stepped into the coffin and lying down, while sharing that she received flowers today, because today was the day of her funeral!

It was POWERFUL and there was not a dry eye!

She asked us all "Do YOU want to receive flowers today?"
We all responded - "NO!"

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The evening was resplendent in Purple and White and the support and love directed through Director Hermine Bowens was felt throughout the evening. The event featured poetry, song, and children's performances. And wonderful wonderful food.

Finally, our organization spoke to the women present about our experience creating this event and about the women and men involved in this work. Then we began fitting and styling the women of the residence with the beautiful sweaters, ponchos

At final count we had
3 full sweaters
5 mesh shrugs
30 scarves
4 hat sets with scarves
3 hat sets with wraps/purses
5 hats
7 ponchos
2 baby blankets
2 cowls
1 vest

as well as over 200 assorted ceramics.

It was yet another amazing night. Wonderful for women and wonderful to see that hands, all hands can help to create change.

News 12 features Domestic Violence Non Profit Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.!

This was one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced. When Cablevision's News 12 came to Flatbush Brooklyn and interviewed my self and my husband around our recent collection drive for survivors of domestic violence living at the Women's Survival Space residence. Mary Nguyen was FABulous - coming in with her own gear and scripting her piece for that evening's show. Long standing volunteer Ramona Kearns was wonderful, lending her able hands to set up the space.

The night before we set up our venue at the Brooklyn Public Library. The Flatbush Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library features classes in crochet by yours truly at their beautiful upstairs meeting room.

As we finished, I presented Mary with one of our Sue Rock Originals fall scarves - She was touched and encouraged us all in our work.....

Sue Rock Originals Everyone featured on News 12

If this is your first time here - WELCOME. Sue Rock Originals Everyone is the first ever craft charity completely committed to providing support to survivors of domestic violence. We transform donations of raw materials into clothing and accessories for survivors of domestic violence living in residences throughout New York.

Fabric and textiles are an amazing and life sustaining medium. Created in the earliest days of human civilization, textiles are a source of function, creativity and beauty. The crafting of textiles is an art practiced by the entire world and fortunately is regaining popularity in the US with the DIY movement.

We see using fabric as a means of healing a natural response for individuals, especially women, who have left everything they considered dear in order to save their lives and the lives of their children. Handcrafted items retain the care and detail of their creator and these pieces offer great care and support to women reaching out tenderly to a new life. Learning the textiles arts, whether knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or sewing reorients a person to personal accomplishment and pride. The beauty of the sheer variety of materials available is restorative and has been used in all settings to stimulate mental and emotional health.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone is a 501(c) 3 corporation and accepts donations of money, materials and time.

To make a donation,
By Credit Card: We accept donations via Paypal http://www.paypal.com/
Our account is suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

By Check:
please make checks out to :Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
Address:
Sue Rock, Executive Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, NY 11226

To make a fabric, yarn or needlwork tools donation contact us at
suerockoriginals@yahoo.com
or
(347) 365-8747

Thank you so much for your support and please send us your email so that we can keep you aware of all the upcoming events for Sue Rock Originals Everyone.

Brooklyn based ECO-FASHION COMPANY creates CRAFT CHARITY FOR WOMEN IN NEED

Brooklyn based ECO-FASHION COMPANY
creates CRAFT CHARITY FOR WOMEN IN NEED -
upcoming Donation to domestic violence shelter

As the only craft charity for survivors of Domestic Violence - Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. needs knit and crochet volunteers for their upcoming donation drive for Domestic Violence Awareness month. This organization is honored to be presenting volunteer created hand-crafted clothing and accessories to Women’s Survival Space, a Brooklyn based Domestic Violence residence.

When the eco-fashion company Sue Rock Originals came into a surplus of donated yarns, their first thought was, “How can we use these materials to give back to our community?” Research made it evident that there were no craft charities for women. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. (SROE) was created to fill this void. The “Everyone” addition to the company name is for women who are survivors of domestic violence living in temporary residences throughout the city. It is also a representation of the volunteers. Everyone who uses the surplus materials to create clothing and accessories for these women, supporting them as they leave the cycle of violence and start a new life. All items are presented twice a year (May – Mother’s Day and October – Domestic Violence Awareness Month) to residences based in New York. In four short years, over 1,000 items (in addition to ceramics, books and window treatments) have been presented to Safe Horizons, Sanctuary for Families and Fortune Academy.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Sue Rock Originals is the eco-fashion brand of women’s separates. Appealing to every size from 2 to 22, their tailored selections are made from 100% reclaimed fabrics. Sue Rock Originals uses these fabrics to create skirts, dresses and handbags. No stranger to fair trade and green practices they are the first designers to develop a manufacturing arrangement with Rwanda Knits, a knitting cooperative working with Rwandan refugees and have launched a line of crochet accessories this Fall working with some of New York’s best craftspeople. Their line is currently carried at Flirt-Brooklyn and Eidolon both located in Brooklyn’s Park Slope.

For more details on the event or to find out how you can help. Contact: Sue Rock 347-365-8747

The NonProfit Experience

On the road to notprofitdom and what a ride it is. As a charity organization without the non-profit allowances, one can create a great deal of change and growth in the community.......but at a certain point the costs of gas, electricity, transportation and quite simply physical exertion can take their toll.

The Foundation Center is an amazing resource for people interested in walking this road. Their five locations (four field offices and the main office here in New York) include an extensive research library, workshops (both free and fee-based), a phenomenal online database and supportive staff. Non profit organizations have the responsibilities of fiscal accountability, fundraising, Project development, long range planning and board development.

PHEW!!! as a woman who has spent the last 20 years in the corporate sector as support staff it seemed overwhelming. However with diligent research and a supportive family, I have gained amazing resources.

VolunteerMatch provided a wonderful woman who has provided accounting support and insight for planning and grantwriting. Also, as a legal non-profit, I am registered with VolunteerNYC a New York based volunteer search site where groups can post their volunteering opportunities.

This is becoming an amazing journey - receipt of the 501(c)3 has mean the beginning of much much more work, but also much much more opportunity to help people in need.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone on the RING!

Power By Ringsurf

Volunteers from Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Inc

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is so proud to work with a diverse group of people. It became a challenge to handle all of the responsiblities of this developing non-profit. One of the challenges was handling all of the donations.

We started out with receiving donations at our home. That would have been fine, but unfortunately we were still living there!! After navigating for the 15th time through the narrow alleyways that were our living room, bedroom and kitchen, we finally invested in a storage unit. 5x5 without lighting, we were relieved.......for a WEEK! Immediately another call came for a fabric pick up - this time 12 bags. That went into the storage space.

Almost immediately the pace became unrelenting. From having participated in this charity work for three years, we had developed wonderful relationships with men and women throughout NY who called us frequently to pick up items - books, ceramics and always fabric and yarns. For a year straight we picked up items every few weeks, sometimes once a week

When the opportunity came this year to dedicate my time to the non-profit, we had a 10x10 space crammed to the brim to TRY to organize.

This is where Heaven's Hands comes in!

Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Inc. (HHCSNI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that is committed to providing services and supports that assist individuals diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities, living in New York City, in achieving the highest level of independence, inclusion, individuality and productivity possible. As part of their mission HHCSI exists to provide habilitative and support services to individuals, families and communities in need.

Arlene Rado of HHCSNYI found our volunteer opportunity on VolunteerMatch.com. At that time we were looking for fashion students and lovers of fabric to assist us in the sorting and organizing of our stock. One of the students at HHCSNY, Jade, had been accepted to a special federal program which focuses on one on one guidance with a focus on the interests of the student. After a few weeks of getting things together, Jade and her counselor April came to assist us. Jade is an Autistic young woman with a love of drawing and art. April works directly with her and it has been going great.

Fundraising for SROE at the Prospect Park Greenfoods - Saturdays

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is at the corner of Union Street and Prospect Park West generating funds for this amazing organization.

The GreenMarket of New York makes a beautiful backdrop to wonderful handcrafted pieces from throughout the tri-state area. Thanks to the generous donations of MAKE beautiful ceramics are available for all to enjoy!

Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising - the quest continues

So once an organization becomes a legal tax exempt 501(c) 3 entity - just how do they get funds. I mean sure the benificent effort of helping others is marvelous but between you and me, gas is over $4.00 a gallon, right?

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is beginning to tackle the concept of creative fundraising. and it is NOT easy :)) I have never been good at asking for money and the learning curve could be staggering. Fortunately we have received amazing donations that can create a source of joy and income for the organization and for the women we service.

MAKE is a wonderful ceramics painting studio located at two sites in New York. By receiving their donations of unused ceramics, we are able to vend and create resources for Sue Rock Originals Everyone! Here are some pictures at the events we have sold at!


The beauty of the artwork speaks for itself. We have called this fundraising effort BY KIDS FOR KIDS (of all ages....). Creative work by children inspires the artist in all of us. Items like ceramic cellphones, butterflies and robots (a favorite with the over 20 male!) sell wonderfully as well as mugs, plates and ceramic high heel shoes. We can't thank MAKE enough for making this opportunity possible!

Make - www.makemeaning.com - check them out!

Mother's Day Clothing Drive - Honored Volunteer Jacqueline Lemon-Denton

Today I had the opportunity of meeting a wonderful new volunteer. Jacqueline Lemon-Denton is a Queens native, who came out to see just what Sue Rock Originals Everyone is all about!

Jacqueline and her four sorority sisters who are spread out across the US will be contributing items to our Mother's Day effort. She is an avid crocheter who loves making ponchos, wraps and shawls.

We talked shop - the merits of vertical versus horizontal scarf construction, and plyed over potential color combinations. Both of us marvelled at the "give" in Brown Sheep Company's Cotton Fleece (a great combination of Cotton and Wool).

After much chatting, Jacqueline left with yarn for her and her sisters and shared her enthusiasm for this cause.

.......and I can't wait to see what they come up with !

Mother's Day Donation Drive BEGINS!!

As the rains come, we begin the steady work of scheduling and planning our MOTHER'S DAY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DONATION DRIVE . Craigslist is our mainstay for seeking volunteers. Their volunteer postings always bring wonderful people from throughout the New York area. VolunteerMatch is also quite good. VolunteerMatch provides non-profits with the ability to post opportunities and provides individuals and groups with opportunities that may appeal to them. The range of opportunities is extraordinary from driving to reading, from knitting and crocheting to sports. It's really wonderful!

Help survivors of domestic violence get a new take on life!

The percentage of women who actually leave the home is heartbreaking. Women who do are ostracized, devastated and alone. Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!!!! seeks to restore humanity to women who still have to work, tend to children and maintain normal appearances during extraordinary times.

Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!!! teams knitters, crocheters and weavers with the raw materials they need to create clothing and accessories for survivors of domestic violence. In the two years we have been in existence, volunteers have contributed over 200 shrugs, sweaters, ponchos, hat/scarf sets, gloves and handbags. Yarn companies nationwide have come to the table and contributed exquisite yarns of every color and description - and needles and findings.

Your hands can help to make another person's life uplifted. Yarn companies and individuals have already stepped up to the plate donating boxes of yarns and supplies to make this effort happen.

If you are interested in more information and wish to contact Sue for yarn and pattern pick up, email suerockoriginals@yahoo.com or call (347) 365-8747.

Thank you in advance for your creative efforts :))