Kerstin Stauffer, who works as a computer technician for the Petaluma School District, found a way to use her quiltmaking to encourage teenage moms to finish high school. As a member of the Petaluma Quilt Guild, Kerstin coordinated a project to make quilts for children at the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home, and that gave her an idea.
“Years ago I met Vicki Dutton when she was running the day care center my daughter attended,” Kerstin told me. “She left that job to start the day care center at San Antonio High School, which provides day care for the children of teen parents attending the school. The children range in age from three weeks to three years old. At any time, from five to fifteen children attend day care.
“Three and a half years ago I was assigned to provide computer support at San Antonio High School. I met Vicki again and when she found out I was a member of the Petaluma Quilt Guild, she asked me for some quilts.
“She also suggested that I apply for a mini-grant through the Sonoma County Families and Children Commission. I did, and was awarded $800 seed money to start the project. The board agreed to cover the continuing costs. All of the money has been spent and we have provided 18 quilts for the center. Some will go home with children and some will be used at the center. I still have fabric left over to make more as I have time.”
Kerstin emphasized that having a day care center on campus encourages student moms to attend school and earn their diplomas, as evidenced by the increase in the number of girls attending since the day care became available. The quilts add a welcoming note, and often a much-needed item for a child.
