Sewing Equipment Expands Culturally Important Recovery Program at White Buffalo

In Lander, traditional activities like sewing and beading play an important role in healing from addiction for Native residents at the White Buffalo Recovery Center. At the center, sewing is a community activity where learning occurs in groups rather than traditional classes with designated teachers. Beyond providing therapeutic benefits, the program also gives participants opportunities to make money from the items they sew and bead. But interest has grown so rapidly that the center can’t keep up with demand. When a peer specialist noticed the sharp rise in people wanting to participate in sewing classes and projects, she recognized a problem—the center only has a few old machines that don’t work properly, limiting access to this culturally relevant healing activity. She reached out to LOR with a plan to expand the program to meet current needs. LOR’s funding will help purchase eight Singer sewing machines including a quilting machine and serger, a hobby and cutting grid table, sewing rulers, and ribbon supplies, ensuring more Lander Native residents in recovery can access this important cultural practice.