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Quotes & Stories

Patchwork is a bridge that provides a place of common learning, sharing and celebration through inter-generational, multicultural, economically diverse programs that help us experience how connected we all are with one another. We learn that not only are the poor and the rich bound together in God’s redemption plan, but that the human community is intricately woven together with the entire creation.

- Rev. Nelia Kimbrough, founding member of Patchwork Central

I am one of the kids who grew up in the Patchwork after-school programs. I came to Patchwork when I was six years old and am still involved as a high school graduate. 
To a lot of kids, Patchwork is not just a bunch of after-school programs, but a haven of hope; it has become a shelter from the trouble in their lives. At Patchwork they discover and learn many things not just about academics, music, dance, and art, but also about themselves. Their self perception begins to change and their eyes dance when they create with their own hands, when they sing in a different language, when they ace a test, and when they put on tap shoes for the first time. Suddenly, the teasing at school doesn’t matter so much because they know they’re special and that their friends at Patchwork are behind them one hundred percent. 
Patchwork is so much of who I am. The skills I have learned here and the love I have received will be with me my whole life.

- Paula Adams, 19

Here is a place where people know that, at times, the intensity of belief varies in proportion to the intensity of doubt and know too that they may be accepted despite their doubt. Here is a place where people accept that the external world, the society that constantly blares its material messages on billboards, radio, and TV, may not contribute to good physical or emotional health and that we may need to live somewhat apart from the world in order to act meaningfully in that world. In many ways, Patchwork offers a refuge from the vacuity of modern life, the emptiness that hovers just behind the glitz and the resumes, the estrangement from the earth and from one another. Here people can feel others’ presence.

- Bill Hemminger, UE Professor, Patchwork Board and Community Member, volunteer

I happened onto Patchwork Central thru my job with Matthew 25 Aids Service. Every Tuesday since March, 2004, the Matthew 25 clinic arrives at Patchwork to see patients, using the space that once held a health clinic that has since outgrown Patchwork. As the moths went by I ventured down the halls to the heart of Patchwork. I would see the halls fill up after 2 o’clock with children. You could hear the laughter and excitement coming from these children. On my breaks, I could get close to this welcoming noise. I started speaking to the after school staff and asking questions. I then inquired about the pancake breakfast and art sale that was advertised on the bulletin board. After attending that first pancake fundraiser I saw more of what Patchwork is about. Needless to say, I have become hooked on Patchwork.
The dedicated staff of the after school program amazes me. I have observed the guidance that they give to the children. The children are received with open hearts and open arms. What a great place to come to after school instead of an empty home where parents have to be at work. I have seen the nurturing given to a child recently when a child was emotionally hurt from an outside adult. Children are given guidance with homework, use of computers and positive role models for life. 
The art program is amazing. The children are receiving self-worth thru the company they create themselves. They produce the art and sell it. They gain self-confidence, self-esteem and life skills thru running the company they have created. The guidance, love, support and encouragement with so many facets of their lives are received daily. Patchwork is a place that is so worthy of support from the outside community.

- Judy Cavins Nurse, Matthew 25 AIDS clinic