For the past few months, Kate and I have been working hard on putting together our newest project for MK Blanket Wraps…installing a screen with a portal and webcam for the Genesis House! On Wednesday, July 8th it was installed!
In the spring, there was a possibility that we would not be able to teach in the shelter due to COVID-19, so we thought a lot about how we could bring a virtual experience to the Genesis House. We did the last few months of school online which gave us the idea to teach our sewing class online. If we were not permitted into the shelter, our sewing class would have turned into a hand-sewing class where Kate and I instructed the residents via the Facebook Portal that works through the TV screen. Kate and I would have dropped off supplies at the beginning of each week and taught basic projects.
Luckily, our annual summer class was able to happen in person with all our sewing machines, but Kate and I still thought that the screen and portal would be a great addition for the Genesis House! We realized that the screen and portal open up endless possibilities for residents. Because of the health precautions, this screen allows for business to connect, inform, and teach without coming into the shelter. The 50-inch screen oversees the entire room (the same room we teach in!) and will focus on the person talking no matter where they are in the room. It has great audio and is super easy to use: it only requires being “friends” with the Genesis Residents Facebook page!
We are in the process of contacting organizations involved with fitness, nutrition, reading, art, counseling, etc. to video into the shelter. Here are specifically a few of our ideas we are working on with the Genesis House:
- Detroit Public Library
They offer virtual programs already, maybe they would consider doing one for the Genesis House. A story time or other learning program. We think their virtual program is called 313 Programs. - Zumba or other Exercise class
Since we have the screen in a large room, we have plenty of space to hold something list this. We are sure a business in Detroit would do a Zumba class! - Nutritionist
Ask a Nutritionist to to a live video talk with the residents. They Nutritionist can answer questions, go over food labels, talk about what to eat and not eat, etc. - Art Studio
There is a small art studio near our house that does painting classes. They could do a live class, for example, on how to paint a sunset. They can set over paper and paint in advance to all the residents that register for the class. - DRMM and Religious Groups
Someone lead prayer groups and other religious services. - Guest Speakers
Rhonda Walker does work for the shelter. Maybe she would consider doing a video chat with the residents? - Storytime
We would like to do a story time for kids in the evenings (after dinner…6:30pm?)
The shelter could even stream Mass on Sundays! Our hopes are that these opportunities will help residents that would otherwise be limited this summer. Kate and I are strong advocates of education and making yourself a better person every day, and this screen will definitely play a big role in that. In the future, we have plans to expand this to as many shelters as possible. If you know of any businesses or individuals interested in working virtually with the shelter, please email us at info@mkblanketwraps.org.
Our fundraising for this venture has come primarily from our partnership with Stagecrafters. Kate and I used the donations from the youth production of Haphazardly Ever After as well as the generous grant we received from the Woodward 100 Club. We can’t thank you enough for your support!
As always, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures about what we are doing (we are headed into Week 2 of the sewing class!) and to hear about important updates. Donations are greatly appreciated especially with our big plans!
A special thank you to Jason Slater, our Dad, Alex, and one of the residents (a 7th grade boy) for installing the screen and equipment!
