The Heart Shaped

Written by Bridget Jansen

An odyssey is an invitation to explore our capacity as human beings. The journey looks different for each of us, yet for us all the trials and tribulations are easier to manage amongst a compassionate and welcoming community. Through a partnership with CAPTAIN Community Human Services, and with the valuable direction of Leadership Saratoga, Saratoga Joinery was able to invite residents of CAPTAIN’s supportive housing program to learn the practice of woodworking in a two-part cutting board class.

As in the story of The Odyssey, the experience was in part a homecoming for those involved. Many of the youth that CAPTAIN helps have struggled with finding safe and reliable shelter. “Third spaces” – that is besides home or work – like the Joinery offer a welcoming and positive environment for these potentially vulnerable individuals to get to know their neighbors and develop a sense of belonging. Joinery Executive Director, Tori Colarusso, has seen first-hand the impact these spaces can have. She aims to make the Joinery an inviting place for all to embrace a new life skill, which she mentions can be therapeutic in nature.

Gwen Anthony, head of CAPTAIN’s supportive housing program, echoes this message. She points out that the cutting board is something students can use every day as a reminder of what they are capable of. They can take it with them as their journey progresses. Understanding their creative nature, Gwen suggested the class to her residents as “an opportunity to explore a creative outlet.” She emphasizes the need for self-expression and personalization amongst vulnerable groups.

Dave Floyd, with the help of Jody Terry, has taught many similar cutting board classes since the opening of the Joinery in 2024. Dave is a regular at the shop and hard to miss – he is lovingly referred to as “Tall Dave” (even though he claims he is getting shorter). Dave and Jody’s balance of friendly banter and professional expertise ensures an entertaining experience. As a retired first-grade teacher, Dave has years of experience adapting to the tapestry of personalities in his classrooms. As a teacher he seems to have realized the greatest way to engage students can be to meet them where they are – and for some, that may be thirsty. When a CAPTAIN student was craving Fruit Punch, instead of nudging the class towards the safety lessons of the jointer, among other things, Dave allowed the conversation to flow to the topic of the best turnovers at Price Chopper. At the next class, to the delight of all, Dave brought in Fruit Punch and raspberry turnovers. It is these moments of connection that create roots and help those in need feel safe and at ease in their environment.

Dave’s approach to woodworking is inspired in part by the problem-solving challenges of the Odyssey of the Mind program, which he enjoyed alongside his son Reese when he was in high school. Throughout Dave’s classes over 230 cutting boards have been made up to this point, all rectangular in shape. It wasn’t until this CAPTAIN class where the question was raised, “Does it have to be a rectangle?” With that question, the student unlocked a new kind of challenge. Dave put on his Odyssey of the Mind hat and guided her along in her vision of a heart-shaped cutting board. Inspired by the experience, Dave then replicated her design as a testament to the positive impact an inclusive community can have – not only on its new members but on its oldest members too. You can see the various inspired shapes that have now been made in the Joinery shop store.

This uplifting experience would not have been possible without the willingness and courage of the residents to step outside of their comfort zone, Tori’s vision to be more proactive in community outreach, Gwen’s ability to connect with her residents, and Dave’s dedication and open mind as a teacher. Not only do these classes empower individuals, but with more knowledge amongst us and fewer barriers between us we are more capable as a community than we were before.

About the Author

Bridget Jansen is a designer in Saratoga Springs, New York with over ten years of experience in architectural design and design-build settings. She is an advocate for community-based building arts and emphasizes the home as a means for personal expression. Read more from Bridget here.