‘Wrapped in love:’ Achieving Dreams Day Program members accept handmade quilts

Published 5:40 am Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Their smiles were contagious as a group of developmentally disabled adults from the Achieving Dreams Day Program accepted handmade quilts from a local small business on Dec. 12 at First Christian Church.

“Your heart is so full to know that it seemed like each of them thought it was a treasure,” Craft and Quilting Etc. owner Rhonda Reuter said. “To know that they’re going to take this home and use it, and it’s useful, and it’s warming, it’s important.”

Monday was a surprise to the achievers, who were so excited to celebrate Christmas with a reading of The Quilt Maker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. After the reading, about 30 achievers and the program directors received personalized quilts.

“We talked to the director, and she told us what everyone liked, like the one that is superheroes, and then one of them likes black and white,” Reuter said. “We made one individually for each of them, according to their liking.”

Achieving Dreams is a day habilitation program for adults with disabilities to learn job skills and volunteer in the community. The program has about 10 community partners, which allow the achievers to complete projects like recycling, rolling silverware or folding pizza boxes.

She said Reuter’s son attends Achieving Dreams, which makes the donation that much more special for her. She can trust that her son is safe and well taken care of and that he’s learning invaluable skills.

“He has gained important work skills, and it helps at home. He mows the yard. He washes dishes and makes his bed. He does all these skills at home. So to learn it here and to apply it at home and in the community is pretty important,” Reuter said.

Despite disability, God created each person special and uniquely, program manager Kristin Cotten said. Even though the achievers face challenges, they can accomplish many other things, which they focus on at Achieving Dreams.

“I’m blessed by them because of their enthusiasm and attitude, and they’re happy. I want to be here and am excited to serve them,” Cotten said.

The Tyler quilters who donated materials and time include Fabric Café, Reuter, Delia Cedeno, Viki Holmquist, Lucinda Cox, Mitzy Pearson, Nancy Kimball and Shirley Yancey.

“Not only will it keep them warm, but I think it just shows them how much people love and care for them,” Cotten said. “They’ll feel wrapped in love when they have them on.”

Achieving Dreams is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to operate. The program is full, and there is a waiting list for entry. Contact the program to discuss basic eligibility criteria and terms by emailing achievingdreamsoftyler@gmail.com or calling 903-630-7724.

Volunteers are always needed, and anyone interested can get an application by contacting the program at 903-630-7724.