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Grandma’s Hands: New programming prioritizes senior residents

Participants gather at the CCWF chapel awaiting Grandma’s Hands presentation. (Photo by Lt. Monique Williams)

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) invited more than 160 residents to the chapel to introduce a new program called Grandma’s Hands, designed to address activity needs for the population over 60 years of age.

The program will open in January of 2025 for all three facility yards and create an opportunity for senior citizens to meet quarterly and bond in a community setting.

The program coordinator, retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson Davis, told the attendees that they hoped to include activities like crocheting, sewing and quilting to donate 100-plus crocheted stuffed animals to the Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

In addition to the announcement and the opportunity to socialize, the attendees also received a “love package” containing hygiene products donated by Compassion Prison Project’s chief executive officer Fritzi Horstman and delivered to CCWF by Pollen Initiative’s Jesse Vasquez.

The message Dobson Davis hoped to deliver was: “Grow old gracefully. You are not alone. You are not in this by yourself and we are excited to be alive.” Participant Renee Robinson shared how surprised she was and considered it a great opportunity for all to keep busy together.

Resident Catherine Ann Reed added that she does projects now, but looks forward to doing them with others as a community. Resident Melissa Ann Sheppard thought it was “awesome” that people outside want to teach them crafting skills.

“It will make us feel good inside,” she said. “I will be able to create something very personal to me and give back to others out there in need.”

Participant and a peer support specialist Cleo Martinez-Costa agreed. “The older population has their own sufferings. To push through every day and continue to be strong represents true resilience,” she said. “This will build our community and give us strength to continue to fight for our freedom.”

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