Pat Vandermolen is on a mission to repair old sewing machines and donate them to refugee and migrant families across the United States.
The 77-year old from Sunnyvale, California, has spent the last two years repairing more than 50 sewing machines, which she donates to immigrant families through the Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley’s Refugee Resettlement Program.
“I’m kind of retired, but now I’ve finally found what I want to do with my life: a sewing machine repair woman,” Vandermolen told NBC Bay Area.
According to the news report, she had no prior experience repairing sewing machines and learned almost entirely by watching videos on YouTube.
“If you stop learning, you stop growing. Then you stop,” Vandermolen said.
Why sewing machines? Because it’s a tool that needy families can use to pick up piecemeal work or launch businesses that will help support them. In fact, the portable sewing machine contributed a great deal to women’s liberty and financial independence here in the United States.
Vandermolen is a lifelong helper and healer, having served two tours as a nurse during the Vietnam War.
During the war, she experienced a lot of trauma that stays with her to this day. She says repairing old sewing machines and donating them to families in need has helped ease some of the pain she experienced.
“I really find a lot of joy in this,” Vandermolen said.
To see the full report, click here.
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