Shoe donation helps women walk out of jail

Each year more than 850 women are booked into the Deschutes County Jail. Many of them leave without even their basic needs met.

"If they are arrested barefoot, they are released barefoot," said Sundance Shoes owner Terry Cheatham.

For six years, Sundance Shoes owners Terry and John Cheatham have been helping women walk out of jail and start a new life. This year, Sundance, located in Town Square, is making its biggest donation of 160 pairs of new shoes to Bridge to Hope Ministries. The nonprofit organization gives incarcerated women the support they need to rebuild their lives. Along with counseling to cultivate self-esteem, Bridge to Hope provides practical items such as clothing.

"When people are making that transition, they want to be successful," said Cheatham.

Cheatham said the shoes are new and top-quality.

"We are giving the best," added Cheatham.

Cheatham praised the shoe manufacturer who makes the donation possible. NAOT is a leading manufacturer of footwear in Israel. NAOT shoes and sandals are handmade with full-grained leather and other materials. Cheatham said that while other shoe manufacturers get rid of discontinued styles by reducing the price, NAOT chooses to donate their shoes. She said that with the current strife in Israel, it is especially noteworthy that the company is continuing its annual shoe donation program. Cheatham is happy to make time to coordinate the donation.

"This is something we can do for our community," said Cheatham.

Bridge to Hope Ministries, led by Executive Director Linda Swearingen, begins mentoring girls and woman while still incarcerated so they are prepared to leave the facility and begin productive lives. Due to limited state and Deschutes County resources, many women are released without essential toiletries, clothes, food, shelter, and transportation. Bridge to Hope provides those basic needs as well as connecting women with resources for substance abuse counseling and child care.

Sundance Shoes owners Terry and John Cheatham opened their Sisters store eight years ago and recently opened a second store in Redmond.