The Valdez (Alaska) Church women's ministries department adopted the local community's Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence Agency and is working with the agency to reach out by providing hand-quilted blankets to children and women who are victims of domestic violence.
In 2010, Jean Gobah, Alaska Conference women's ministries director, met with the agency's director, along with Deb Campbell and Sharon Mills, Valdez Church members. Campbell and Mills had contacted Gobah for help in starting the project. Thanks to contributions from the annual North American Division July women's ministries offering the project got started.
"This is my vision to help out in the community," Mills says. The women meet once a week to quilt blankets by hand. The blankets, called "It's My Very Own," and other personal items fill "Bags of Love" given to mothers and children seeking safety in the local shelter.
In addition, "Bags of Care," complete with toiletries and personal items, are given to the women.
"Bags of Comfort," is a joint effort with Alaska Adventist Community Services and the Alaska Conference women's ministries departments, providing fleece, no-stitch blankets to victims of community disasters, like fires or floods, which force them to leave their homes.
Items made by the Valdez women are also sent to the neighboring community of Cordova, Alaska. A Valdez radio station contacted women after hearing about their efforts, and is planning to provide ads requesting donations for the project.
