One stitch at a time: Christine's journey in community and craft

Recently, Christine was offered a knitting loom, a tool she had never used before. Rather than holding back, she dove in. The "Sit and Knit with Lynda" group has quickly became a highlight of Christine's week.

When Christine first walked into "Sit and Knit with Lynda" at the Puyallup Activity Center in late December 2025, she was brand new to knitting and crocheting. A few months later, she is developing real crafting skills — and building friendships, gaining confidence and celebrating herself with every stitch she masters.

Christine has been a Centerforce client since July 2025, supported by her Community Inclusion Specialist Annie, who has helped her connect with meaningful activities in her community. The "Sit and Knit with Lynda" group quickly became a highlight of Christine's week, a welcoming space where experienced knitters and crocheters share their knowledge, and where friendships form naturally over yarn and laughter.

For the past few months, Christine has been working alongside her friend, Dr. John W. Page II, on a crocheted blanket. She celebrates every new stitch she completes correctly, embracing each small win as part of a bigger story of growth.

Recently, Christine was offered a knitting loom, a tool she had never used before. Rather than holding back, she dove in. With patient guidance from her friend, Cyndee, another member of the group, Christine began learning the foundational techniques for loom knitting. By the time her outing came to an end, Christine was independently completing most of the work herself, asking for support only when new techniques arose.

That kind of growth — from curious beginner to confident practitioner — doesn't happen by accident. It happens through community, encouragement and genuine belonging where organizations like the Puyallup Activity Center and its "Sit and Knit with Lynda" group make it possible every week.

At Centerforce, we are proud to support Christine and clients like her in finding the activities, connections and communities where they can flourish. And we are grateful to every community partner, mentor and friend who makes that possible.

Christine's blanket isn't finished yet. But her story is just getting started.

With patient guidance from her friend, Cyndee, right, another member of the group, Christine began learning the foundational techniques for loom knitting. Christine has also been working with her friend, Dr. John W. Page II, left on a crocheted blanket.