The Design Studio

Well we moved into a raw space in March and this is where we are today! - Amazing!!

Needlepoint Kits come to Materials for the Arts

As we posted last time, there were an amazing assortment of needlepoint kits which arrived at the design studios of Sue Rock Originals Everyone - well we shared the wealth.  

A week after their arrival, we contacted the staff at MFTA and let them know they could pick up some of the items received (hey you only have SO much room!!)

These photos are of the pickup!

Needlepoint Kits come to Sue Rock Originals Everyone!

There are times when you have to just marvel at what life gives you in all its bounty!!!

My most recent experience comes from a visit to the Materials for the Arts website. Materials for the Arts is an amazing non profit affiliated with New York's Department of Cultural Affairs. Singlehandedly, MFTA receives donations from individuals and companies throughout the Tri-state area of usable goods which are then distributed on regular "shopping" days to arts organizations in New York. Everything from pencils to padding can be found in their Long Island City warehouse. For items that can't be picked up, they have a Direct Donations area where interested arts organizations can contact the donees directly. It is here that I met Gen Wallace-Roe.

Gen Wallace-Roe is a dynamic woman and a professional organizer. Now hold up! Before you think that she just supports the lives of lazy upscale adults who just don't want to clean or who want all their DVDs alphebetised, think again! Ms. Wallace-Roe has developed her business for young adults who often have the daunting responsibility of disposing upward to 40 years of items from the homes of their parents. Parents who either have extended illness, have moved into senior living or have passed away are unable to navigate the weight of a lifetime of possessions. Ms. Wallace-Roe works with the family to navigate paperwork, valuables and those items which are of questionable value. She, working under her client June Kleban, posted needlepoint canvases and tools as being available.

We called her immediately!

After a few months of various phone calls and emails, we made arrangments to receive the items in the beginning of May.

On a grey day in May, a red 4x4 pulled up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn with a UHaul trailing behind it - Filled to the brim with needlepoint.

Needlepoint of every shape and size, needlepoint kits, needlepoint frames, needlepoint books, needlepoint threads, needlepoint for days!

One person may think - What will they do with all of that stuff!! Well the seniors at the Fort Greene Senior Center were able to figure out what to do!  There has been a steady flow of elders stopping by to lend a helping hand - sorting, organizing and even purchasing needlepoint kits.

So what can I do to help?

The hardest thing when you have Santa Clause DNA is to let people know what YOU need. Hmmmm, cloth and fabric is donated, volunteers come, we have a location - just what DO we need?

Sue Rock Originals Everyone has since its inception been an exercise in allowing the universe to provide support for the least of us in times of need. We have provided over 2,500 items in the past four years to women who have chosen to leave the cycle of violence.

From ceramics studios we have received beautiful hand crafted items that were invaluable replacements to countless personal items left behind. From interior design firms we have received gorgeous sheers and brocades with which to replace drapes and curtains, or create bedding and bathroom decor. From peoples homes we have received the beautiful fabric and notions from loved ones who did not know where to turn to donate their elders precious collections. Each request to yarn companies was answered with box upon box of sensational wool blends.

With the expansion of our mission to include training - we have been provided a permanent location and a wonderful instructor of sewing with over 15 years of professional experience.

So what do we need?

YOU!
Your supportive donations will help to ensure that our work will continue for years to come.

We are in the unique position of having an architect (Baer Architecture Group http://www.baerarchitecture.org/) who has donated time to create the reconstruction designs for our location - designing retail, manufacturing and training space. Storage to the rafters for all of our donations and machinery.

As a 501(c) 3 each and every financial donation is tax-deductible. All in-kind donations of fabric, notions, machinery or yarn is also tax-deductible.

Please give and give generously to this exploration in self-sufficiency as we all reclaim the knowledge of our ancestors to live in a life filled with change.

Make our donations out to : Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
c/o Sue Rock, Executive Director
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, New York 11226

Or if you are in the New York area and would like to lend a hand:

Sue Rock Originals Design Studios
1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues
Brooklyn, New York
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

We use volunteers of all kinds to assist in filing, sorting of fabrics, patterns and yarns, general housekeeping, general gardening and community outreach.

...so you must really have to CLEAN that fabric you get, huh?

 When developing any type of business - it helps to listen.

Much is being done in fashion with reconstructed garments and recycled fabrics but not much said about reclaiming  fabrics from the garment and interior design industries. When we think of the fashion industry, we generally think "make the clothes, buy them when they don’t fit toss them".

I wanted to share some of what we have learned about the fashion industry, how it works and how we are able to make the beautiful things that we do.
Lets start at the beginning…….

A men's shirt is going to be designed by a company:

Fashion companies are made up of teams of designers and design assistants who have the important task of deciding what they are going to create for the upcoming year. They come together and look over colors and patterns and will come to a basic decision about a color group. Once decided, a garment will need to be created before the item is manufactured. The company will have a fabric manufacturer create EVERY COMBINATION of the pattern decided upon (from blue on blue to white on white) so that the design team has an accurate representation of the garment they are making. Even if the color is solid – every variation is created for review and critique before the item hits the stores.

Then sample garments are made from these freshly manufactured fabrics and a decision is made for color, fabric weight and pattern.

What is left over is this:

What Sue Rock Originals does is RECLAIMS the fabric before it ever gets into the dump. We receive regular phone calls from individuals and businesses for fabric pickups. It is a way for the organization to simply and effectively give back within their time frame and it saves them money for the dumpster fees.  

And then we create THIS:

and That is How it is Done!

Boxes and Bolts of Fabric are never used due to time constraints, color variations or just changes in the fashion trend - and so SRO gets the opportunity to create beautiful clothing from reclaimed fabric - 

Come on By and see for yourself!

Sanctuary for Families Mentors - Amazing Women!

"This is a Film Set"

or so the signs told me as I drove throughout New York City trying to get to Sanctuary for Families, the most recent recipient of items from Sue Rock Originals Everyone.  I have had a long standing relationship with Emily LoBue, Senior Director of Volunteer Service at Sanctuary and we had created a wonderful way of donating to the women in their organization.  

Survivors of domestic violence are in a very critical condition.  Many times it is difficult to share many donations with them due to their need for safety, security and privacy.  Some of these women are on the run from another state, running from a spouse who has searched for them cross country.  They need support, but most of all they need anonymity.  In these circumstances, donations are presented to the agency responsible for the residence and are distributed in kind.

However, this Mother's Day we had the beautiful opportunity to donate to a powerful group of women who have graduated from a powerful program - the Sanctuary for Families Mentors Group.  These are women who have lived in the residential setting.  They are now stable, working thriving women who have taken on the role of advocates for others who are now living through what they have survived.  They advocate for these women in a variety of ways - some speaking out, others manning tables - always training, studying, and fighting to understand new ways of supporting the lives of women who are leaving a cycle of violence.

They had just had their graduation in which the previous year's mentors "passes the torch" on to the new graduates.  I was coming to their first group meeting to share SROE with them and share some of the wonderful items collected.  

As I entered the room with bags and boxes of donations, I looked over at the various faces - of varying colors, shapes and sizes, I thought about the unifying theme of them all - they are survivors and willing to assist others in making the change to healing.  

This year's donation drive would not have been possible had it not been for the following amazing folks - the team at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Family Justice Center who created numerous knit backpacks and excellent correspondence bags!

- Jeanne Heifitz, a Brooklyn based textile fine artist who created exquisite head/scarf wraps and hats

- Sue Kyhos of Maryland who hand knit some of the most beautiful items, having heard about us on the internet

and Materials for the Arts - an arts organization which provides items of all kinds to arts organizations based through the New York City area

Each year we do this work it brings more joy to us - this year we look forward to learning from these women to make sure that our work impacts their lives in the ways that we hope/

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL!!

My father - giver of gifts........

We finally have a permanent space and it is bittersweet to say the least.  My father, George C. Hargett was a magnificent Aquarian who had the foresight of purchasing a property on Bergen Street back when New York City allowed civilians to purchase "properties for a dollar" for auction and Bergen Street was a business district for one particular imported commodity!  No one but No one was calling it Crow Hill or Crown Heights North back then and for 25 years he maintained a three story store front property with ingenuity and deftness. We finally have a permanent space and it is bittersweet to say the least.  My father, George C. Hargett was a magnificent Aquarian who had the foresight of purchasing a property on Bergen Street back when New York City allowed civilians to purchase "properties for a dollar" for auction and Bergen Street was a business district for one particular imported commodity!  No one but No one was calling it Crow Hill or Crown Heights North back then and for 25 years he maintained a three story store front property with ingenuity and deftness.

I love my father and his dream was to have a fabulous restaurant ("where we can make our own ice cream and pickles even!").  He loved working with people and believed in community.  He also believed in the value of a dollar - often in spite of his dreams.....  During the past few years he knew about and often participated in the work we did with Sue Rock Originals, but had a hard time adding up how it could work financially.  The dollar being the bottom line, he offered his support as best he could.... or so I thought....

When he passed away, he left the building and the running of it to myself and my brother.

The same week the person who had been leasing the storefront as a party place moved out in the middle of the nite.......

We moved in after the services.

Thanks Dad!

Sue Rock Originals - "Keepers of the Craft"

Much of the work of Sue Rock Originals Everyone consists of donations.  Donations donations donations.   I often think that its beyond fortunate that my husband and I are crazy in the same ways - otherwise I can't think of too many people who would allow for a storage as full of fabric and notions as ours is.  Needless to say the early morning runs into Manhattan or to the far reaches of Queens are some of our favorite moments.  Coffee in hand, maps and cell phones on my lap, his driver window open we are off on another adventure to discover what goodies life has to offer.

We have often marvelled at how we meet just the right people in our forays into the world.  The wonderful woman with bookcases up to the ceiling who needed to let go of a freezer to allow for more pet cages for her pet shelter/home..........the operations manager of a sample house in midtown who on my first trip to her home to pick up fabric has made us her favorite charity calling every three months or so for another pickup (I think we have met all the women working with her - they all want to help bring fabric downstairs to meet these people she has spoken about!).  

Then there are the costome companies - old and still in business (thank God) - located in midtown Manhattan and staffed by elder seamstresses who know their way around some sequins and extra heavy foam, I tell you!  These people and so many more have filled our lives for the past five years and though space quickly diminshes, I can't resist going to the next "Come and get it" call!  Once folks hear about our work the open hearted generosity is tremendous. 

More often than not, relationships have been formed and repeat pick ups have happened.  The nicest experiences are with family members.  When you have a loved family member pass on it is difficult enough - but when you finally have the emotional courage to go through the apartment or building it is heartbreaking to have to pull teeth to donate things.  We have received wonderful fabrics from women whose lives were enriched by sewing and crochet.  

These women are the ones that no one knew treasured embroidery.  Or who were working on a red crepe dress with long sleeves and a full lining.  Or were finally mastering the double wedding rings quilt top.  These were civil service workers who loved bright florals and spicy leopard prints.  Women who just never got to putting the zipper in that one dress......

I love being "The Keeper of the Craft" - curious about it most of the time, wondering how folks find us (like the woman who just moved in upstairs from us and came down to see if we would accept some fabric she was giving away!) and endeared to their looks of appreciation and joy that we "get it" and understand the value of these beautiful things.

LINGERIE FRIDAYS - Sexy Sewing and Supporting Charity!!!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. the only textile charity committed to supporting the lives of survivors of domestic violence is hosting a BI-WEEKLY LINGERIE PARTY. 

The First and Third Fridays of the month - our sensational WENDY HAYES will be guiding you into the delights of creating your own custom lingerie. Lace thongs, Tanga Panties and Camisoles like those produced by Natori and La Perla can be yours at a fraction of the cost. 

$45 includes two mixed drinks, appetizers and beautiful materials to create your own beautiful lingerie. 

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009 
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm 
Location: Sue Rock Originals Design Studio 
Street: 1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues 
City/Town: Brooklyn, NY 

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE, INC. AND ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. 

Limited to 10 students - RSVP required

A wonderful trend in volunteering

Omega Phi Sorority Sister Cara Quinones and Founder Sue Rock go through the yarns being used by Omega Phi Beta for our upcoming clothing donation drive at Sue Rock Originals Everyone's new design studio!

Director, Babafemi Akinsegun, Omega Phi Sorority Sister Cara Quinones and Ade Akinsegun at the Sue Rock Originals Everyone's new digs!

This year has been phenomenal with volunteers joining as collective. We have had some sensational interest from people at he Brooklyn DA's Family Justice Centers (10 volunteers) Brooklyn's Community Arts and Media High School (20 volunteers) and most recently Sorority Omega Phi Beta's Cara Quinones picked up yarn for six of her sisters!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone is still the only game in town supproting the lives of domestic violence survivors with NEW handcrafted clothing. We are currently working with our volunteers to create handknits and hand crocheted clothing and accessories for 2009. Our donations will support women living in Sanctuary for Families residences. Mother's Day is around the corner and our volunteers are busy knitting and crocheting up a storm. We have even received some interst in creating jewelry for these phenomenal women who have chosen a live of change and renewal instead of violence.

Emily LoBlue, Senior Director of Volunteer Services at Sanctuary for Families is delighted to be receiving donations from Sue Rock Originals Everyone again.

To volunteer or donate - Contact Sue Rock at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Sue Rock Originals Everyone - Mother's Day Clothing Drive 2009

Domestic Violence continues....... in the press -

NY Times 2008 2 Relatives of Jennifer Hudson Reported Slain
Daily News 2009:Rihanna: Chris' Beatings Kept Getting Worse
Clarion Ledger 2009: Violence against females increased after Hurricane Katrina

There has never been a more important time to support the lives of Domestic Violence SURVIVORS. Studies show that a woman living in a residence has tried at least 6 to 7 times before. They also show that Domestic Violence survivors have developed skills of determination, resilience, fortitude and planning to protect themselves and their families.

These women need our support and commendation. Join us today!

If you are a knitter, crocheter or sewer come out to Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. Pick up some yarn and make something wonderful for a woman who has left the cycle of violence. We partner volunteers with the raw materials to make NEW clothing for women and their families. We have been single handedly running this effort for five years - donating over 2,000 handcrafted items to women throughout the New York area.

May 11, 2009 - Mother's Day - we want to make the lives of even more women uplifted and supported. Make a personal difference in the lives of people committed to change!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
1069 BERGEN STREET (Between Nostrand & Rogers Avenues in Brooklyn )
Directions: Take the A/C trains to Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn . Once you leave the train station, walk in the direction of Nostrand Avenue traffic 5 short blocks to Bergen Street (or wait right by the train station for the B44 bus - taking it to Bergen Street)At Bergen Street, make a right turn. 1069 is the storefront with the woodcovered front.
CONTACT US TO ARRANGE PICKUP :))
suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Volunteer Service Fair at Union Temple in Brooklyn, NY

The first weekend of February, Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. was invited to participate in a Volunteer Service Fair held at the Union Temple on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. As you can see from the pictures - it was GREAT !

This crafts table was set up by Materials for the Arts for the enjoyment of children (of all ages!)

We were set up next to Dress for Success and set up a table with info sheets and a display of just the type of thing Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. makes with reclaimed fabrics. All of the fabric in our display would have been discarded by the fashion industry or individuals! AMAZING!

The event had over 100 nonprofits from all sectors and had over 500 attendees! Brooklyn for Barack were the hosts of this event and it was really successful~

We made some fantastic new contacts. People signed up to knit and crochet for us and in addition volunteer videographers and fashion industry experts were hot to hear what was next for SROE!

Participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

- there's just something about President Obama that......well, when he says jump......you kind of want to go "How High!" - That was the case when the Brooklyn for Barack crew asked SROE to participate in their participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidential Call to Service. Organizations all across the United States were requested to work with volunteers in a variety of ways helping to give back to their communities.

For over three years, SROE has received bolts of fabric from interior design companies, cases sample prints from fashion houses and bags of vintage textiles from beloved aunts and grandmothers. These items have grown to fill a 10 x 10 storage unit, which has been maintained out of pocket by its directors for two years running. We REALLY needed the help.

And Help Came.

20 volunteers came throughout the MLK Jr. Weekend to fold, carry, organize tie and re pack our storage area!

Participating in the President's Call to Service AOOOO!!!!

WHOOOOO HOOOOOO What an amazing time! the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Brooklyn for Obama invited Sue Rock Originals Everyone to participate in the President's Call to Service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the weekend before.

This was an amazing event for all of us. Babafemi and I were amped, as we were looking forward to getting into the storage to prepare for the coming Spring. Having made a clear decision to have Sue Rock Originals be the fundraising wing of the not for profit, we understood that were were quickly becoming late late late for any prospective purchases from Brooklyn boutiques (who buy closer to the season they are in, by the way, choosing to hold on to their duckets until they see which way the wind is blowing).

Even though there was much accomplished last year, true to form, THIS year brought more fabrics and other items which had (like the others) been MASHED into our storage until "some later date"

Well that date was this weekend. We received over 20 volunteers in two days who chatted, folded, laughed, oohed, aahed, cried and then began folding again, as we worked the cold snowy days away!

Interview on WKTU 103.5 FM - Sunday, Jan. 18 7:00AM

Brooklyn based Domestic Violence NonProfit -
Upcoming interview on WKTU with Cindy Vero of KTU CARES

New York, New York, January 11, 2009:

As the only craft charity for survivors of Domestic Violence - Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. will be featured on January 18, 2009 on the Sunday morning show KTU Cares hosted by Cindy Vero.

Drive time radio personality Cindy Vero is the cohost of the WKTU Show Mornings with Cubby and Cindy. WKTU, located at 103.5 is known as the Beat of New York. Regarding Sue Rock, Ms. Vero states “Brace yourselves for somebody spectacular! Sue Rock is a force to be reckoned with!! Sue Rock is electric and full of personality! What an inspiration to women everywhere.”

http://mornings.ktu.com/pages/cindy.html

Airtime is Sunday, January 18th, 2009 7:00AM, on WKTU 103.5FM

About Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.

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.

The organization has developed a unique funding resource – Sue Rock Originals. 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. Their line is currently carried at Flirt-Brooklyn and Eidolon both located in Brooklyn’s Park Slope.

Contact: Sue Rock 347-365-8747

Beautiful Donations from Caron Yarns, Louet Yarns and a wonderful individuals

Most unusual was how all the yarns complement each other beautifully - even though the donors sent them all at different times and did not know each other!

Louet Yarn Company, Caron Yarns and a wonderful elder from upper Manhattan

are the first to come on board

with yarn donations for 2009

THANK YOU!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone Volunteer Opportunities for 2009

As we all approach the upcoming inauguration and ensuing economic CRAZINESS - people are focused on how they can enjoy life and give back to their families and friends. Why not volunteer for Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!

We are a fun-loving bunch of knitters, crocheters, tailors and lovers of textiles who make miracles happen in the lives of women committed to making a change in their lives.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities for 2009:

Volunteers needed for January 17, 18 and 19 - STORAGE ORGANIZING

For over 3 years SROE has received donations from individuals, fashion houses and interior design firms. We would like to answer the President Elect's call for service, so on these three days we will be providing volunteer opportunities for able bodied individuals to help us to organize our storage. We are located in Brooklyn New York and will be working in a storage facility located on Flatbush Avenue in the downtown section of Brooklyn, near all transportation.
Volunteers will be needed to lift, carry, move and sort fabrics of all kinds as we prepare for this years developments.

Volunteers needed for ongoing Knitting, Crocheting and Sewing -

If you had to start over completely, what would YOU need? A bag, a wallet, pants, skirt, a warm coat..... the list goes on. If you have even beginning craft skills we could use YOUR nimble fingers to assist us in our effort to provide beautiful clothing to women in need.
All tools and materials are provided to volunteers and projects can be done at home at your convenience - to be dropped off on completion.

Donations needed of fabric, yarns and textile goods.

We are always willing to work with individuals who have NO idea what to do with fabrics, yarns and notions left by loving family members. Or maybe you have moved on to another field and have items that you no longer use. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. uses all donations towards the effort of our non-profit - whether for making clothes for women in need, training people in working in the textile arts or designing for our line Sue Rock Originals. It is all used towards a greater good!


and of course.......your cash donations are always appreciated!

As a 501(c)3 your donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. In these tough times you want to make sure that your dollars are put to the best use possible. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. makes sure that every dollar we receive is put into the work of working with survivors of domestic violence.

Donations can be received via PayPal at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com
or by mail -

Sue Rock
Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, NY 11226

MAKE DIFFERENCE IN 2009 WORK WITH SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE, INC AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE A HEALTHY CHANGE TO A LIFE FREE FROM VIOLENCE!

The Sue Rock Originals Story!

Sue and Jerome Rock are the designers behind Sue Rock Originals. Based in New York, Sue Rock Originals is the premier design studio for fashion forward hand crochet and hand knits. Sue Rock is a crocheter of over 20 years who has brought the standard of custom crochet work back to forefront of Fashion. No stranger to fair trade and green practices she is the first knitwear designer to develop a manufacturing arrangement with Rwanda Knits, a cooperative working with Rwandan refugees. She launched a line of organic llama knit and crochet apparel in Fall of 2008, working with handpicked design team of some of New York’s best knitters and crocheters.

Their tailored selections are made from 100% reclaimed fabrics. The fashion and interior design industries discard tons of fabric per year. Sue Rock Originals uses these fabrics to create beautiful tailored garments for women of all ages.

Sue Rock’s love of textiles and design doesn’t stop there........

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.(“SROE, Inc.”) is a not-for-profit corporation which brings together textile/fiber artists and raw materials to create clothing and accessories to survivors of domestic violence living in transitional housing.

SROE, Inc. requests donations of raw materials (fabric, yarn, tools) from individuals and businesses. Upon receipt of the donations, volunteers have the option of creating clothing, accessories or bedding for our organization. These items are presented to women living in transitional housing . Women are introduced to the volunteers and are allowed to “shop” for items as volunteers assist them in their “purchase”

In only three years, we have donated the following to Safe Horizon living facilities:

• 150 window treatments for residences (including drapes, cafe curtains and curtains)
• three cases of hand crocheted hats, scarves and handbags from the students at SUNY New Paltz
• 1200 children's and adult's books - establishing libraries at two facilities
• 50 pairs of earrings by an independent jewelry designer
• 50 shrugs
• 100 ponchos
• 17 sweaters
• 150 handknit/handcrocheted pocketbooks
• 2 cases of ceramic household goods.
  

We are currently able to provide direct training in textile arts to survivors of domestic violence living in transitional housing. We have the materials the equipment and the educators. Any information you would like regarding our work is available in the links below.

For more information, we can be reached at 347-365-8747 or suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

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!"

=====================================================

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