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A $4,000 gift from the Arvest Foundation to Martha’s Task will help local women learn new skills to earn a living through the art of sewing and work toward self-sufficiency.

Arvest business development representative Cory Snelson and mortgage lender Jill Carse-Hron presented the check to Laura Walton, Martha’s Task executive director.

“We are honored to present this check on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to help empower women in our community to become economically independent,” Carse-Hron said.

The funds will be used to provide a computer training program to teach clients of Martha’s Task how to keep track of sewing inventory, draft contracts and budget proposals, and learn basic computer skills to help improve income earning potential.

“Martha’s Task is so excited about this new program, which will provide computer training to open new doors of knowledge for our clients in their sewing business and their everyday lives,” Walton said. “This gift from the Arvest Foundation will provide equipment and such valuable skills and opportunities for the women of Martha’s Task.”

Martha’s Task offers economically disadvantaged women in the Bartlesville area unique work training opportunities providing sewing instruction, crafting programs, product marketing, financial support and advocacy. Established in the year 2000, Martha’s Task offers a long-term seamstress training program and a short-term emergency assistance program where low-income women can earn immediate cash for a need such as a utility bill, prescription or housing.