Prison quilters give back to community

April 13, 2007

By Will Elliott/Frontiersman

MAT-SU - For many Mat-Su residents, the 400-inmate Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility, hidden in the hills north of Eagle River, is well out of sight and mind. But for some Valley families and local charities, Hiland Mountain is much closer to home.

Since 2004, the Palmer Lions Club, in conjunction with local Curves women's fitness centers, has been collecting donations of quilting material for a charitable program at the Hiland prison. These materials are provided to inmates for the prison's Give Back Program, and stitched into quilts for needy Alaskans.

have taken from the community, so now they would like to give something back,” said Palmer Lions member Dee Hilbert.

Palmer Lions created the program three years ago with a donation of sewing machines to Hiland. The Lions also solicited fabric, batting and thread from various donors. Since then, the program has grown steadily.

Last year, inmates crafted more than 200 quilts, as well as knitted items such as hats and gloves. These were donated to shelters and community organizations throughout the state.

In the Mat-Su Valley, the program has delivered quilts to Wasilla High School, Wasilla Animal Control and other groups.

&#8220We can help any nonprofit or community organization,” said Virgina Lause, a Hiland correctional officer. &#8220We provide them handmade quilts and lap blankets for raffles or auction, and they keep all proceeds. Quilts also go to families in need.”

Teresa Nelson, development director for the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis shelter in Anchorage, had high praise for the quilters.

&#8220They have been very generous and supportive with their artistry. The quilts are beautifully designed and have made a special difference for the women and children at our shelter,” she said.

In addition to local charities, each year the quilters adopt a rural village.

&#8220Last year we donated 63 quilts to Kivalina village near Kotzebue,” Hilbert said. &#8220It really made Christmas brighter for the people there.”

Hiland officer Amy Rabeau said the program benefits the quilters as well.

&#8220The program increases inmates' self esteem, and gives them the chance to be a positive part of the community,” Rabeau said. &#8220Self-esteem is a stepping stone to turning your life around.”

In addition to the Give Back Program, Hiland offers inmates a suite of self-improvement opportunities, from auto repair, computer technician and Master Gardener certification, to high school and college classes. Hiland Mountain also has the only women's prison string orchestra in the country.

&#8220All our programs focus on assisting the community in a positive way, or focusing on education, or providing job training,” Rabeau said. &#8220It may seem like a lot of programming, but the focus is to keep women from returning to prison.”

The Give Back Program is ongoing, and accepts donations throughout the year. Community members can help by dropping off any material suitable for quilting or knitting at any Curves center in Big Lake, Bogard Road, Palmer or Eagle River, or at the Palmer and Eagle River Lions Clubs.

Call Palmer Lions member Dee Hilbert at 373-1823 for more information.

Contact Will Elliott at 352-2250.