The Significance of the Pillow Case Dresses

When launching our new initiative we searched for ways to share the story of where we have been and where we are going.

We hung the dresses to take a photo but had no idea the impact it would have on the work as we began to move forward with the name change and the expansion of our work! Here are all of the ways these dresses symbolize our work:

• One of the greatest challenges for non-profits is matching the need with the people. You would be stunned to see some of the items humanitarian non-profits receive for the people they serve. For example, winter coats for people living in equatorial climates. Old, dirty bath rugs to be shipped to orphanages (yes, this really happened to us.) Ripped and dirty clothing (because why not?) These dresses which fit both young and older girls are the perfect "fit" for girls living in the hot regions of Nigeria. They match the need with the people.

• Teach a women (or man) to fish....you know the old adage. Jeannie Butler has been a Girl Scout leader for nearly 30 years. She understands the value of teaching skills such as sewing. SOWN is currently working on ways to bring this type of skill to those being served.

• Jeannie Butler's life work encompasses her humanitarian work AND her skills as a highly sought after seamstress. Jeannie's life work outside of humanitarian care has been as a highly skilled and in-demand artisan seamstress. The gift of the dresses to share to the children receiving Brother Crown's assistance could not have been more appropriate.

• Sow (as in to sow seeds) and sew (to make a garment) is a fantastic play on words and represents all we seek to accomplish!