Tapestry Health Systems is the primary beneficiary of our 2019 spring Mainstage production of Lady Randy.
Tapestry was founded in 1973 to ensure women and teens have access to high-quality, confidential sexual and reproductive health care, regardless of income, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. They remain focused on this mission while providing the broader community with much needed and often controversial care like HIV testing, birth control, syringe access, and STD testing and treatment. Their committed staff is highly skilled and well trained to provide a culturally competent, compassionate health care experience for all who need it.
Katrina Mattson, Health Services Manager at Tapestry’s Pittsfield location, sat down with us to talk about why she thinks Tapestry and WAM’s are a good fit.
WAM Theatre: How, where, and when did you first hear about WAM?
Katrina Mattson: I first heard about WAM from Kristen van Ginhoven. To be honest I can’t remember when I met her, just that I was always impressed by the mission of WAM and Kristen as a person. I also was inspired by her presentation at the one-year anniversary for the Women’s March at the Colonial. She presented using only poster board and it was really moving.
WAM: Why did you decide to apply to be a beneficiary? What makes Tapestry’s mission a good fit with ours?
Katrina: Last year Kristen invited me to apply to be a beneficiary. It seemed like a perfect fit because as a sexual reproductive health agency we meet women of all ages where they are in their reproductive life plan. We do this by being non-judgmental, confidential, accessible and affordable. Sometimes women, especially young women, don’t feel like they have a lot of say in the choices they can make about their sexual health. At Tapestry, they are able to make educated decisions and leave feel empowered to continue to make decisions for themselves.
WAM: What attracted you personally to work at Tapestry. How does your work fit in with your personal goals and ethics?
Katrina: I have worked in public health for over 25 years, from HIV prevention in the ‘90s in Chicago to teen dating violence in Berkshire County. I have always believed in the importance of creating a space to discuss healthy relationships, including sexual relationships. Sometimes people are surprised to know that my father was a Lutheran minister, but growing up at family supper we discussed and debated everything, including sex and sexuality. What I learned from my parents was how to treat others with dignity and respect, the importance of being non-judgmental and meeting people where they live. It’s not often that you get a job where it all aligns. I feel blessed to have a job that aligns with my passion.
WAM: What is your favorite example of Tapestry at work in the Berkshire community?
Katrina: Tapestry worked with the Face the Facts committee spearheaded by the Berkshire United Way*. This committee took on the issue of decreasing teen birth rates in Berkshire County. One of the ways we increased access and knowledge to reproductive health care was to table in the schools. We have been tabling in area high schools on a monthly basis. Through this we have seen an increase in teens’ knowledge of Tapestry. It is important, they know that we are here for them when and if they need us. A bonus to this work is that Berkshire County has seen a drastic reduction in teen birth rates.
WAM: How will Tapestry use the WAM donation?
Katrina: As we grow as an agency, we need to do better for marginalized communities. One of the ways we can do this is do train our dedicated staff in social determinants of health and increase our capacity by learning how to better serve our LGBTQ community, our poor, our undocumented, and others marginalized in today’s society.
*The team that became the Face the Facts Coalition at Berkshire United Way was WAM’s 2011 local beneficiary!
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