Patchwork is here for the community. Anyone can visit during our hospitality time, whether they are homeless or the mayor. We strive to be a place where everyone is treated with the same dignity and respect. As a result, Patchwork comes together as a community. Our neighbors and friends give to one another at Patchwork […]
The man is friendly and talkative. He looks approachable. He’s relatively young. He first met John during a Sozo Health Ministry First Friday at Central Library. John answered a health question for him, and he was very grateful for John’s time and care. A few weeks ago, the man came to Patchwork for the first […]
It’s the time of year to slow down, to reflect, to visit with friends and family, and to enjoy the things we love. At Patchwork, our building will be quiet for the next week and a half so that our staff and volunteers can do just that. This is also the time of year for […]
Six of our current Arts & Smarts after school participants are second generation “Patchwork kids.” Their families know that they will be supported and cared for as individuals. Their families know this because they have experienced it themselves. We are part of their community. One man lives in a house near Patchwork. He’s very tall […]
Patchwork Central plays an important role as a gathering place for our neighbors. Every morning Monday through Thursday, a diverse group gathers. Some come for coffee. Some come for fellowship. Some come for showers. Some come for access to small but essential things like the phone, a fax machine, or some fresh produce. A community […]
“Thanks for talking to me. If the two of us were someplace else, we wouldn’t be talking. You probably wouldn’t notice me. I’m kind of invisible.” The man and Jane Vickers had been enjoying a conversation as he sat in the Patchwork kitchen window supervising the morning coffee service and Jane worked on children’s program […]
Tuesday afternoon I got a report of a school supply explosion at Patchwork Central. Everything was OK, though. It was all in good fun. The report came from someone who had volunteered as a “Bagger” to help prepare for Patchwork’s 22nd annual Back to School Sale. The group had moved a mountain of boxes and […]
Patchwork’s neighborhood hospitality is one thing that makes us unique. We are open to the public most mornings, Monday through Thursday. People come inside for coffee, to visit with friends, to connect with resources that they need, to take a shower, or to get a little something to eat. Staff, volunteers, and guests mingle and […]
When you think about the institutions that you need to have to make a healthy neighborhood, you might think of the fire department or a police station. Maybe a park. Maybe a school, a grocery store, a bank, or a library. Maybe a restaurant or two. I would suggest that nestled in your ideal little […]
This week, a man stopped in Patchwork’s main office. “I need to tell you what I think about this place,” he began. “It’s not just about what you do here. It’s about your hearts. I’m retired. I come from across town to read my books here and drink coffee. It’s a comfortable place. Thanks for […]