Over the past 16 years, the Curtiss Extension group has donated hundreds of quilts to survivors at the Safe Home, the domestic abuse shelter operated 24/7 by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan.  Pictured at a recent luncheon are members (front from left) Ann Weeter, MarJo Scardino, (back from left) Jeanne Cease and Laura Weingartz.  Not pictured, Janet Kennedy.  Safe Home staff are shown receiving the most recent Curtiss Extension quilt donation (from left) Jen Rashleigh-Houser, Amy Strohpaul, Jamie Moore, Lauren Kutzler, Angie Linsenman and Jamie Winters.

Curtiss Extension group has donated hundreds of quilts over the years to the Safe Home, including a recent donation of 25 quilts. The quilts grace Safe Home bedrooms and may be gifted to survivors of domestic abuse and their children upon transitioning from the Safe Home, according to Safe Home Coordinator, Jamie Winters. 

“These quilts have provided survivors at the Safe Home with warmth and the knowledge that people in the community care,” said Winters. “It’s really as if these women, who are striving to rebuild their lives, are being wrapped in kindness and comfort.” Winters said the Curtiss Extension group has also donated knit hats, mittens and blankets in past years. 

The original purpose of Curtiss Extension, chartered in 1938, was to get together to sew, exchange recipes, share household tips and listen to a variety of speakers. About 14 years ago, group member Ann Weeter suggested the group do something constructive in the community while utilizing their combined skills and experience. They decided to start donating quilts sewn by the group to the Safe Home. 

Curtiss Extension and other similar groups in the area are being discontinued because of a lack of new membership; a farewell luncheon will take place in the spring.