Sewing Volunteer Transforms Lives with Skill and Compassion

Karen Martodam loves sewing and volunteering. She’s left a real mark on the lives of folks at Catholic Charities Twin Cities’ Higher Ground in Minneapolis.

Since 2016, Karen’s brought her sewing skills to the table—literally—fixing up clothes for people who need a hand. She adds a personal touch to everything she does.

Her story? It’s a bit of a journey, moving from a hectic life as a tax manager to becoming a cherished volunteer. It’s kind of wild how using your own talents can ripple through a community.

From Farm Life to Volunteer Extraordinaire

Karen grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota. She was one of 14 kids, and her mom taught her how to sew early on.

That skill stuck with her, even when life got busy with accounting work and raising a family. She never really put the needle and thread down.

When she retired in 2015, Karen wanted to give back. She first tried volunteering with Prepare and Prosper in St. Paul, drawing on her finance background.

But a connection through her brother-in-law led her to Catholic Charities and, eventually, to Higher Ground.

Embracing a New Role

At Higher Ground, Karen started out helping with meals and customer service. Pretty soon, though, she realized there was a bigger need for her sewing skills.

She started hauling in her sewing machine and supplies, offering to fix up clothes for residents who needed repairs.

She’s patched up so many things—zippers, hems, you name it. She even made a quilt for someone after their old one couldn’t be saved.

Residents trust her with their favorite items, which says a lot. She’s become a go-to for repairs and a friendly face in the process.

Building Trust and Community

Trust is a huge part of what Karen does. Many residents only have one coat or a single pair of pants, so her repairs really matter.

She’s always honest about what she can fix and makes sure people feel comfortable. That kind of openness goes a long way.

Erin Manuel, a housing support coordinator, sees this all the time. Residents light up when they spot Karen. She’s become a fixture—someone who actually cares.

A Personal Touch

It’s not just about sewing. Karen makes people feel seen and respected, even with little things.

One resident kept bringing in gloves with tiny holes, and Karen always took the time to mend them. Her patience is honestly impressive.

She drags around a wagon filled with her sewing machine, over 30 colors of thread, patches, and more. You can tell she’s prepared for anything.

She hunts down materials at fabric stores and sales, always making sure she’s stocked up for the next project.

Looking Ahead

Karen wrapped up her last regular volunteer day on August 19. She’s looking forward to more family time and a bit of rest, but her absence will be tough for Higher Ground.

She hopes someone else will step up and keep the tradition alive, even if it’s not every week. Who knows—maybe her story will inspire the next volunteer?

Continuing the Legacy

Martodam’s work at Higher Ground really set the bar for what it means to volunteer. She brought together her sewing talent and her drive to help people, creating something special that’s hard to replicate.

Now that she’s stepping back from her usual volunteer shifts, there’s hope that others might feel moved to pick up where she left off. It’s not always easy, but maybe that’s what makes it meaningful.

If you’re curious about Karen Martodam’s journey and the mark she’s left, check out the full story on The Catholic Spirit.