South Dakota Human Services Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 3, 2005

CONTACT: Lois Halbur, 605-668-3294 or 3100

HSC ADOLESCENTS WRAP BABIES WITH LOVE

Yankton, S.D - Six tiny babies are cuddled in warmth and softness, as well as love, because of handiwork by patients from the Adolescent Program at the South Dakota Human Services Center (HSC).  

The adolescents made six lovely baby quilts during their Sewing Group.  Two full size baby quilts, and four smaller quilts for premature babies, were delivered by staff and patients to the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.  

“Over the years, the patients have made and donated quilts to many Yankton area organizations.  Since patients come from all across the state to receive treatment at HSC, the adolescents wanted to give their quilts to babies in other communities this time,” said Merry Kostroun, Therapy Aide for Oak Adolescent Treatment Unit.  “They also wanted to deliver the quilts where they could see the babies that would possibly receive the blankets.”

Adolescent Program patients from the Oak 1 & 2 Treatment Units attend Sewing Group a couple of times each week.  Utilizing quilt supplies provided by donations from staff and volunteers, the group offers creative skill building opportunities for patients.  The patients also learn how to work effectively with others of varying interests, skills and talents.  They also can practice what they have learned in their other groups, such as appropriate social skills.  

“Sewing Group gives all of the patients a chance to participate.  The quilts are an easy group project to make.  Even  patients with different skills and sewing abilities can all be actively involved,” Kostroun explained.  “For many of these kids, quilting is new to them. One participant had never used a sewing machine before.  Some are most comfortable cutting the squares rather than sewing the blocks.  Each participant has a chance to find their comfort level as well as learn new skills.”  

“The patients worked very hard on these baby and preemie quilts.  They carefully selected fabrics, decided on patchwork designs, and sewed them with care.  They are so proud of the finished quilts!” Kostroun said.  

When the patients and staff delivered the quilts, Avera McKennan staff provided them with a tour of the hospital and explained the services provided.  They also discussed how the blankets would be distributed to the babies.  

“I believe making the quilts gives the adolescents considerable personal comfort.  Many of these adolescents have had some terribly difficult times in their own lives.  It is heart-warming to see them reaching out to others.  The adolescents seemed to especially relate to the little preemies and were  pleased to provide them with the comfort of a cuddly quilt,” Kostroun said.  Kostroun explained how their feelings were evident in seemingly simple steps throughout the quilting process.  “The adolescents’ consistently choose the pastel colored quilt fabrics in the softest fleece and flannel.  This project seemed to warm the adolescents’ hearts before the finished quilt warmed the little babies’ bodies.”  

PHOTO: Seth McClure, Youth Treatment Supervisor, and Jody Smith, Adolescent Program Director, display six lovely baby quilts that were made by adolescent patients at the South Dakota Human Services Center (HSC).  Made during the Adolescent Sewing Group, two full size baby quilts and four quilts for premature babies, were donated and delivered by HSC staff and patients to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.  

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