Coffee Creek Correctional Facility has named our own Martha Messa as Volunteer of the Quarter. Martha has been a CCQ instructor since 2004. She’s also our Program Coordinator and, in that role, serves as liaison between prison staff and Coffee Creek Quilters. In addition, Martha addresses a wide variety of instructor and student needs: making sure the classes are full and adequately staffed; arranging for instructor training; and making sure we have the fabric, tools, and supplies we need. We’ve been only half joking when we’ve told Martha that she’s so important to our program that she has the Coordinator job for life. Here’s an excerpt of what CCCF Superintendent Heidi Steward said in her congratulatory letter:
“Congratulations on being selected Volunteer of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2013. You are being recognized for the outstanding contributions you have made to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. Since 2004, our facility has been greatly enriched by your volunteer efforts as a driving force in the implementation and on-going success of the Coffee Creek Quilting Program. As the Program Coordinator of Coffee Creek Quilters, you coordinate outside fundraising to ensure this program has all the supplies needed to continue being successful. In addition to the Quilting Program, you have also volunteered at our annual “Through a Child’s Eyes” summer event. Martha, we are very appreciative of everything you do to provide these wonderful services to the women of Coffee Creek. Thank you again for your energy, compassion, and dedication as a volunteer at our facility.”
CCCF recognized Martha with a letter, a certificate, and a trophy with her name engraved on it. To his credit, Martha’s husband said he always knew he had a trophy wife and now he has proof.