One Person's Treasure

Cane chair project helps residents develop skills, opportunity for income

More than a year ago, a local museum donated 277 broken cane chairs to Samaritan House that might otherwise have been thrown away. Thanks to the vision of Samaritan House Executive Director Steve Dutton, and because of the persistence of residents and staff, the donation has evolved into a valuable learning experience and income-generating partnership.

The donated chairs suffered from years of neglect, replaced by more durable chairs for the museum’s purposes. “In usable condition, the chairs are worth quite a bit,” says Dutton. “There was a lot of work to be done, but folks here have the time to invest with the proper guidance.”

A local contractor, expert in repairing cane furniture, came in to train interested residents in the caning process. The project is an opportunity for residents to gain new skills, while also sharing in the revenue of chair sales. Samaritan House covered up-front costs for materials and the contractor’s fee.

The cane chair project is the first time Samaritan House and its residents have joined forces in such an economic endeavor.

A number of plans for selling the chairs have been discussed, from a retail space to websites and even intermediate vendors. Initial sales will be through the Samaritan House administrative office. Cost is $50 per chair, and participating residents receive a significant portion of the profits for their efforts.

To make an appointment to see the chairs or to order them directly through Samaritan House, please call Rosie at (817) 566-0120, ext 160.