Domestic Violence Non Profit features Needlepoint Show in New York

On Saturday, October 24, we held our first Needlepoint Show, featuring the unfinished works of donor Bernard Kleban. Bernard Kleban was an active dynamic man who pursued needlepoint during his retirement. He and his wife June owned a needlepoint store in Arizona during the 1980's and his love of this needleart was allowed to flourish.

We received these canvases from June through personal organizer Gen Wallace Roe, who met us through Materials for the Arts. The relationship was established earlier this year and has grown into something wonderful.

When Gen brought up the unfinished canvases in September, they were so profound and detailed in their creativity, they begged for exposure to a greater audience. A simple comment "This needs to become an Art Show" became reality when we met Allison Sciplin, writer for the blog Grace, Love and Politics and volunteer grantwriter for our organization. Allison responded to our posting on the Idealist website and when enthusiastically showing her the canvases, she generously donate the yoga studio she works at - Three Jewels Yoga Studio.

Three Jewels Yoga Studio is a beautiful space. Three Jewels functions as a meditation, Heart Yoga, Dharma and Outreach Center for the community. They not only hold Yoga classes but features free meditation, various events from other progressive organizations, guided meditations by Llamas throughout the NY area. With volunteers and friends, we put up the canvases and prepared for a beautiful art show.

We welcomed Deirdre Biallo-Padin and her husband who attended the show. Deirdre Biallo-Padin is the Chief of Domestic Violence for the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. We have developed a wonderful relationship with her and it has been 3 years of receiving donations from the Family Justice Center.

The surprise for the evening was meeting the grandson of Bernard Kleban. Harry is currently attending New York University and stopped by to see the beautiful exhibit. "I didn't know there was so much work!"

NEEDLEPOINT SHOW AND FUNDRAISER FOR SUE ROCK ORIGINALS

Well, I know you will be coming to our first full out fundraiser for Sue Rock Originals Everyone. Our host is Three Jewels Yoga Studio a beautiful space conveniently located in the middle of Greenwich Village at 61 Fourth Avenue at Ninth Street (that's the #6 and R trains). There will be beautiful needlepoint, free wine and cheese and interesting people.

It only $20 and your donation will support our work providing new items for survivors of domestic violence.

We look forward to seeing you there!~

Domestic Violence Support - Handcrafted Clothing Donation to Center Against Domestic Violence

We are so excited about our upcoming donation drive - if you haven't seen the photos they are posted on Facebook . Its truly wonderful to see just what people come up with.

We have received some beautiful clothing to present to the women at Women's Survival Space - one of the three residences run by the Center Against Domestic Violence. The Center Against Domestic Violence is a key part of this story because were it not for their efforts, there would be NO residence to donate to!

According to their history:

The Center Against Domestic violence was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women who understood that domestic violence was not merely a family matter, but a crime and a violation of human rights. The new Center Against Domestic Violence opened the first publicly funded domestic violence shelter in New York State, Women's Survival Space. Through innovative programs offered with dedication and respect, the Center works to fulfill its vision of a world free of relationship abuse and violence. The people who come to the Center may be battered but they are not beaten. With the support and services it provides, the Center Against Domestic Violence bears witness every day to people transforming their lives..

So let me get this right, before 1977 (32 years ago) there were NO publicly funded domestic violence shelters? What did women do? Where did they and their families go when they had their lives threatened or when their children's lives were on the line? It is with this outstanding history that we made our decision to donate to one of the residences that they are responsible for.

The reality of domestic violence is that women do not leave. Even in 2009, there is no press or news coverage of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Where are the 10k races or rallies. Supporting those women who have made the courageous first step towards a peaceful change is an action that says "You deserve to be commended - you have value - YOU are AMAZING!"

and most of all

You Have Made the RIGHT Choice!!

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

To help support Sue Rock Originals Everyone - Its Simple!

We are a 501(c)3 organization!

To send a Donation -

Make your donation out to Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.

Send to: Sue Rock Originals Everyone

50 East 18th Street, Suite A8

Brooklyn, New York 11226

To Send Fabric, Yarn or Textile Tool Donations

Send to: Sue Rock Originals Design Studio

Storefront

1069 Bergen Street

Brooklyn, NY 11226

To Volunteer:

Sue Rock Originals Everyone treasures the volunteers that knit, crochet, sew and create beautiful items for survivors of domestic violence. Twice a year (Mother's Day and October- Domestic Violence Awareness Month) we bring donations to a domestic violence residence in the New York area.

When considering what to make - ask yourself this key question:

"If I was to leave my life with what I am wearing right now -

What would I need?"

THOSE are the items that we would like you to make :))

Everything you can put your valuable papers in and everything that will stretch a wardrobe consisting of a turtleneck, jeans and a pair of flipflops.

That is what women need who run to leave a batterer AND still have to raise children AND go to open school night AND go to work etc.

Our organization can provide fabric and notions, yarn and tools

All we need is your creativity!

Contact Sue Rock at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com (we accommodate those groups who are outside of the New York area)

Sue Rock Originals Everyone - October Activities Calendar

Saturday, October 17 - Sewing Classes. Sewing classes at Sue Rock Originals Studios will begin on October 17 for the first and third Saturdays of every month. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm First class will be for a oversize green bag case - Donations accepted.

Saturday, October 24 - SAVE THE DATE Beautiful needlepoint Exhibition: The Needlearts Process: The Unfinished Mastery of Bernard Kleban. Three Jewels Yoga Studio $20 Admission Refreshments will be served. 4:00pm - 8:00pm Three Jewels Yoga Studio 61 Fourth Avenue (at 9th St.) Third Floor New York

Events planning Volunteers needed - OCTOBER EVENTS

Non profit planning numerous events during the month of October needs volunteers in varying capacities for the creation of some fabulous events.

Volunteer opportunities include

Volunteer captain
Cleaners
Event Set up and Design
Creation of Party favors
Invitation designers (assist in email listings)
Meet and Greet Staff
Servers
Flyer Distribution
Sewers

Timing is crucial - if you are interested - PLEASE contact us ASAP at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com!

Event planners who are interested in contributing their services are greatly appreciated :))

Thank you

Sue Rock
Executive Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
www.suerock.blogspot.com

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Some people ask how we came to get all this.....STUFF

..so.....

I am showing on of the Summer Youth Employment employees how to get to the post office for us, right. And a woman stops by the door and asks about our sign. Well we have listed all sorts of activities, crochet, knitting, sewing etc. And she says that she would like to learn sewing.....I begin to tell her about the classes....



















So....as we are talking, I share our organization with her....and I let her know that Sue Rock Originals Everyone provides NEW handcrafted clothing to survivors of domestic violence who have left.......



















AND SHE PROCEEDS TO WALK DOWN THE BLOCK, GO BACK INTO HER HOUSE AND BRING OUT ITEMS SHE HAS JUST COMPLETED FOR BABIES

















- AWESOME!!!!

THAT is what Sue Rock Originals Everyone is about!!!

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!