Crafting Confidence: Freddie Adkins Empowers Artists at Sarah Center
Any time a Sarah Center student is preparing to sell their jewelry creations, Freddie Adkins makes sure they don’t price their work too low. It’s an important lesson in knowing not just the value of the jewelry but of the creative soul who made it.
As the center’s Jewelry Instructor, Freddie strives to empower her students to express themselves, build new skills, and earn some added income in the process.
Over the years, she’s taught men and women of all backgrounds, including those in addiction recovery or living in halfway houses. For many people facing challenges, making jewelry has a therapeutic effect that helps keep them on track as they rebuild their lives.
“Some of the ladies could use something extra in their life, something that will help them see their future, something they can make extra money doing,” Freddie says. “Any kind of way I can help them, I would love to do that.”
Freddie has always enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and she became interested in making jewelry years ago while working in a craft store.
Her classes, taught on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, are open both to beginners and to more experienced artists looking for a refresher. Freddie tailors each class to her students’ needs so everyone can accomplish their goals, whether they’re learning just for fun or for a larger purpose.
“I’ve had a couple ladies get their license so that they’re able to sell,” she says. “Most of the ladies are on fixed incomes, so every little penny helps.”
Freddie, a newly minted great-grandmother who lives in Colerain Township, is proud to be part of the close-knit Sarah Center team and the overall St. Francis Seraph Ministries mission. She appreciates that someone can enjoy a nutritious meal in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room, then choose to nourish their soul by doing something creative like sewing or making jewelry.
“I like the fact that we’re here for the people,” Freddie says. “If they need us, we’re here to serve them.”