A Stitch in Time: Sewing Behind Bars

Length 05:13
Licensor Rebecca Sheir
Producer(s) Rebecca Sheir
Formats Debut (not aired nationally), Soft Feature
Topics Business, Labor, Women
Produced June, 2007
Added to PRX July 9, 2007
 

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Summary:

These women aren't just doing time; they're stitching it.

Website:

http://akradio.org

Tones:

Inspiring, NPR NewsMagazine-y, Sound Rich

Description:

Alaska's largest manufacturer is a sewing and garment shop set to bring in $1 million dollars this year, producing items like linens for the Alaska Marine Highway, seats for the Alaska Railroad, chef attire for the state's eateries and uniforms for the Department of Corrections.
 
It's an impressive operation, and what's even more impressive is that its employees are all women. Women prisoners.
 
Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility is the only all-women correctional institution in the state. Its Sewing and Garment Shop has been around since May 1999, as part of "PEP," the Prisoner Employment Program.

In this sound-rich feature, we visit the buzzing and humming shop, where 63 women are recovering their lives, one stitch at a time.