hats get congressional attention!

really! if you want to participate, please let me know!!

here's a pic...

Dr. Abyssinia Washington, PsyD, MEd, Clinical Coordinator/Therapist, DC CAC, Rep. Bud Cramer (D-AL), Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), Marie Connolly, Owner, Stitch DC, me!

another pic...

me, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

here's the press release...
December 16, 2005

LOCAL KNITTERS SHARE TALENTS WITH ABUSED KIDS

Members of Congress Laud Charitable Efforts during Holiday Season; New
Initiative Asks Caring Knitters to Warm the Hearts and Ears of Abused
Children

Washington DC - This holiday season, the D.C. Children's Advocacy Center
(CAC) is launching a program to warm the hearts and ears of abused children.
The new initiative, which is being lauded by members of Congress, urges
local knitters at area yarn shops and bloggers to make winter hats for
children served by Safe Shores-The D.C. Children's Advocacy Center, a direct
service nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and working directly
with child victims of sexual and physical abuse in the District of Columbia.


"Not only will these hats keep these deserving children warm this cold
winter, but it will also give them a little extra comfort," added
Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY 2nd). "I applaud all knitters who become
involved in this vital effort to help victims of sexual and physical abuse."


"When I was the District Attorney of Madison County, Alabama, I saw a need
for a new child friendly approach to the investigation, treatment, and
prosecution of child abuse cases," said Congressman Bud Cramer (D-AL-5th),
founder of the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville. "Today,
there are over 600 children's centers across the country. I am proud to be a
part of the nationwide network of children's advocacy centers and to support
the thousands of dedicated professionals who work on the front lines to help
countless children each year. The D.C.'s Children's Advocacy Center's
Knitters' Project is a wonderful idea and something I hope will catch on
across the District."

"I am pleased to support the D.C. Children's Advocacy Center and the work
the Center is doing for abused children in the District of Columbia," noted
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC At-Large). "CAC's project with knitters
is a wonderful example of how volunteers can help professionals provide
basic necessities to kids who suffer from the scars of abuse. "

The project began when Emily Landsman, a former Safe Shores employee,
decided to approach a local yarn shop about pooling its clientele's talents
in order to make hats for the kids. Landsman began making hats for the Safe
Shores to give out during the 2003-2004-winter season. The Safe Shores
facility maintains a clothing closet for its clients and requires frequent
restocking.

"Many of the children who came through the CAC did not have proper winter
clothing, and I didn't like knowing that there were cold little ears out
there," noted Landsman, an avid crochet fan. "I know that most of the
winter clothing the CAC distributes comes from donations, so I thought I'd
use my skill to help out."

"People are putting a lot of care and attention into them, which is nice
because the kids who get them often don't get a lot of care and attention
from anyone," added Michele Booth Cole, executive director of the D.C. CAC.
"The tangible benefit is obvious in that it keeps the kids warm, but the
intangible benefit is that it is something that is new and just for them.
Those elements can, even in the most horrific situations, lift a child's
spirits. Very simple things have a big impact."

Stores and bloggers participating thus far include Stitch DC, Knit and
Stitch, Solitude Yarn, NOVA Knitting Group, and chrisabraham.com. Stores and
bloggers interested in joining the program are invited to contact Emily
Landsman at (202) XXX-XXXX.

Finished hats should be sent to:
Safe Shores, The DC CAC
Attn: Victim Services Coordinator/Knitted Hats
300 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20001