Plymouth Seamstress Sews Goodwill at Catholic Charities
For 10 years, a Plymouth woman has used her sewing talents to help people in need in Minneapolis. Now, she’s finishing up her work with a big impact left behind.
Plymouth Sews Up Big Impact
Every few weeks, business as usual at Catholic Charities Higher Ground Minneapolis is interrupted with the hum of a sewing machine. That’s where Karen Martodam sets up shop as a volunteer seamstress.
“I have fixed dress shirts that have been torn to pieces, and I have put them back together,” Martodam recalled.
She’s spent 10 years volunteering her time at the Higher Ground Residence and Shelter as well as the Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center, both located in Minneapolis. Higher Ground offers temporary, transitional and long-term housing for people experiencing homelessness.
This form of volunteering was her idea when she retired. Martodam said she wanted to use her time for good.
After speaking with her brother-in-law, former Catholic Charities CEO Paul Martodam, she started volunteering at the front desk. In conversation with case workers, she confirmed her suspicions: residents could use a seamstress.
“I was pretty determined that it was needed,” Martodam said. “I wanted to do something for a population that might get overlooked a bit. So that’s what I did!”
Martodam brings in her own kit, filled with all kinds of things, including zippers, buttons, threads of many colors to name a few.
“I’m blessed enough to where I can write out a check. But a check isn’t going to fix that little hole in their sweatshirt,” Martodam said.
Karen Martodam works at her sewing machine. Typically twice a month, she sets up shop at this corner for residents in need of repairs.
Stitch by Stitch
Volunteers like Martodam keep the place running. Housing Support Coordinator Erin Manuel said consistent care makes a big difference for residents.
“I think it makes a big difference, because it helps show the residents and us, too, that there’s people in the community who want to help,” Manuel said. “It’s crucial, some of the stuff she does for these people.”
And Martodam’s help has certainly been consistent. At this point, residents expect it.
“There’s numerous people that come in and ask when she’s going to come and… know when she’s coming back so they can get maybe their only pair of pants sewn,” Manuel said.
Her fixes can give some residents a piece of home. Like resident Henry Downs, Jr., whose grandmother was a seamstress.
“To have someone like her to do what she does is really priceless, for people like myself here,” Downs said.
Downs has had more than one of her fixes done. She fixed his cut-off backpack straps, sewed up a pair of sweatpants and patched a sweatshirt, to name a few.
“I guess that’ll always be a part of our relationship,” Downs said, looking at one of his items. “When she’s long gone, I’ll still be carrying her with me.”
Downs holds up a fleece that Martodam just repaired for him. She’s also resized pants for him in the past.
‘A Ripple Effect’
Martodam is hanging up her sewing needle soon, ending her ten-year regular mending stint. Reflecting on her time, she said she’s proud of her work and hopes she inspires someone else to take it up.
“I wanted to do something for a population that might get overlooked a bit. So that’s what I did!” Martodam said.
She’s retiring after hundreds of fixes. She leaves behind a legacy through her handiwork. After her latest repair, Downs told her he would miss her — a sentiment that it seems many residents share.
“Maybe you’ve inspired somebody to do what you do. Maybe more than one. A ripple effect,” Downs told Martodam.
“I hope so,” she replied.
Martodam’s got a few more sewing sessions ahead, before she is retiring to focus on her family. She said she plans to continue to volunteer in many other ways.
You can learn more about Catholic Charities Twin Cities and its volunteer opportunities on its website.
