I started Handmade Especially for You at the end of 2008, after I sold my stock photo business of 20+ years. I felt abused women had few supporters, little political representation, and I wanted to do something to help them. I loved to knit, but ran out of necks to knit for, so I made 30 scarves and took them to a local shelter, where they were greeted warmly by the director. In fact, she gave them the name "comfort scarves." She said they would be a hug around the neck of the women in her shelter. Things moved quickly after that. The owner of a local yarn shop offered to sponsor us, a friend built the website, a participant filed for the 501(c)3 and everything fell into place. Since we started, we have made 123,875 comfort scarves for abused women who have sought the protection of a shelter and 9,655 hats for the children who come with them. We have sent them to more than 70 shelters throughout CA. We have many local participants and many from all over the US. Comfort scarves lift the spirits and improve the self esteem of the women who receive them. Making comfort scarves (and participating in Handmade Especially for You) does the same for our members. It is a win-win organization!
