LAWRENCEVILLE — Approximately 20 women shined like the aurora borealis Wednesday evening as they walked a makeshift runway as part of the HomeFront Fall Fashion Show.
While their feet glided across hallways inside office space located at 1880 Princeton Ave., one look into the eyes of Narcisa, Betty, Paulette, Barbara, Stella, Delmy, Nimfa, Martha, Esther, Sylvia, Miriam, Janet, Terry, Nellie and Renata, plus, Alexis, who walked for her mother Stephanie, noticed that their spirits soared high above the Lawrenceville night sky.
Each woman, all clients of the HomeFront SewingSpace initiative, presented two outfits envisioned by their creativity then sewn by their own hands, as a magical evening unfolded. The garment makers twisted and twirled during glamorous appearances before an appreciative audience.
HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward, Meghan Cubano, a development & community engagement director, and Suleika, a case manager, walked the runway as part of the star-studded event that trumpeted National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.
Glam On! after Ruthann Traylor, director of HomeFront’s ArtSpace/SewingSpace efforts, introduced Medarda “Josita” Cardona, a sewing instructor. The Hamilton Twp. resident said most women in the class had no or limited sewing skills when they arrived at HomeFront.
“We started with small projects, grocery bags, (cloth) Christmas tree decorations, wine bottle bags, then eventually learned how to make patterns for dresses and full outfits,” Cardona, an integral seven-year member of Sewing/Space, explained.
“I dream of the day that everyone becomes creative, especially if they’re just sitting at home. Everyone could learn to see. If that happened in Trenton it really would be “Trenton Makes” and then eventually we would create so many wonderful things that we could add “The World Takes”.”
Steward, several months into her second year since former Executive Director Connie Mercer passed the leadership torch, predicted an amazing evening.
“When people see the outfits made by these women, their first thoughts will be about how creative and beautiful they are, not about what struggles they may be facing,” Steward said.
The Steward assessment proved accurate as presenters reveled in crowd reaction as Felix Cruz, an HomeFront intake screener and master of ceremony for the event, cleared the runway for takeoff. Narcisa, wearing a hot pink pair of pants and a printed top that tied at the waist, started the show.
Betty Journigan followed. Journigan considers HomeFront her home away from home. She joined the sewing circle on January 9. Her actual home had been a place where she watched television and remembered days spent with Albert, her husband.
“He passed four years ago and I was home just doing next to nothing. I found out about Sewing Space one day when I came for food from the pantry. Now, I’m here three days a week for sewing and on Fridays for ArtSpace,” Journigan explained.
“I tried sewing in school but never liked it. I really enjoy (sewing) now. Love being with the other women. I really enjoy having lunch with them. You know, when I graduated from SewingSpace, I thought that meant I had to leave but Ruthann said the doors were always open for me.”
Clients come from myriad walks of life as HomeFront continues a mission to end homelessness in Central Jersey and to give clients the skills and opportunities to ensure adequate incomes. The end game hopes to help homeless families advocate for themselves individually and collectively.
SewingSpace provides skills and training, income pride and empowerment to individuals who work hard to achieve self-sufficiency.
“It’s so amazing to watch these women grow, not just with their sewing skills, which is incredible because they start with these small projects then eventually make these unbelievable outfits. We get to see their confidence grow as they become empowered,” Traylor said.
“The first time we had a fashion show was for our staff. It was probably the most exciting day of my time here. I watched the women walk out there with 100-percent confidence. They would strut. Stop. And turn. Just like a professional runway model.”
Housed inside the HomeFront complex, the SewingSpace provides a perfect setting for freedom of expression.
“It’s a place where people can feel safe, be creative, be who they are and feel loved,” Traylor added.
And, fly.