![]() ![]() She was in attendance at the auction and stood on the stage next to her work as back and forth bidding took place. Nicole Wilterink made products donated to the Rotary Auction to benefit the Showboat. The money she makes goes toward her being able to live on her own. She also aids fellow employees when needed. Her expertise has led to her helping members of the public make their own products. Her smile is contagious and eagerness to share her knowledge of weaving with others is energetic. Allie Noonon enjoys her job and helping others learn about weaving.Īllie Noonon is another expert weaver. The best thing about AW is the people I work with, that it’s a fun place to work, and that our products make people happy.” she says. It helps me feel like an adult and like I can contribute to the community. “I didn’t know if I could ever get a job, so it has helped me believe in myself. And she’s quick to say she loves to beat them. She doesn’t have a favorite product to make but she has favorite looms. Rebecca Joseph has been working at Ability Weavers for just over a year. Many of our Weavers are very detail oriented, so it is a very good fit.” It is also a very repetitive and predictable. Those with the most experience can work on their own and even train fellow Weavers or members of the public during Weave Your Own events open to the public.īartkus also adds, “It (weaving) has been used by occupational therapists for years because it uses both sides of your brain and your entire body. In the beginning a weaver will work with someone else. As with any business there are differing levels of experience. #WEAVEIT PART 1 HOW TO#Employees must learn how to put fabric through the loom, use the pedals of the loom, and how to beat the fabric together. There are certain techniques used when weaving. They talk, bond, joke, enjoy each other’s company, and are happy to have a job.Īs with any job, training is involved before becoming proficient. Rebecca Joseph works a loom.Įmployees at Ability Weavers live in Lowell, Ada, Saranac, and other areas in the Grand Rapids area. All profits from the sale of their products goes toward paying employees. ![]() Ability Weavers has developed out of our passion to provide purpose filled, enjoyable employment for those who could benefit from a supported work environment.” Bartkus continues. ![]() Bartkus goes on to say the unemployment rate for this group is 70%. At the age of 26 school for those with special needs comes to an end. “ As the parent of a young woman with autism we realized the huge need for real employment for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.” she says. But thanks to Bartkus these individuals are being given the ability to earn money through employment and much more. In a time when most products are made in a factory, often by machines not people, it’s refreshing to experience handmade weaving.Ĭurrently nine part-time employees work at Ability Weavers. Visitors can see how items are made and talk with the people behind the creations. The tighter the weaving the stronger the product.Įach Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday products are being made. And beating the loom is part of weaving lingo indicating pushing fabric together hard, or “beating” it, to ensure a tight fit with no gaps. When multiple looms are being used it sounds like they’re keeping the beat for a musical number. Inside employees can be found making rugs, table runners, and more. The words “weaving a purpose” are on the window of their storefront. ![]()
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