NEW YORK - Dustee Hullinger had her hand in a little bit of everything as a child. But it wasn't until much later in life that she discovered what really makes her tick.

"Growing up, my parents gave me many, many different lessons in acting, in five different instruments, in dance, but never an art lesson. I just had natural Martha Stewart abilities," Hullinger recalled.

Crafting was only ever a hobby for most of Hullinger's life. Professionally, she spent more than 20 years traveling the world as a flight attendant. But a career-ending injury forced her to retire from the skies, and rethink her future. 

That's when she turned her hobby into hope and healing for many of the city's underserved communities. 

Twenty-six years ago Hullinger founded the non-profit "Gifted Hands". She travels across the city, teaching at-risk youth, seniors, and people living in homeless shelters how to make jewelry, paint, and crochet.

She has worked with thousands of people over the years, giving them opportunities to express themselves in new ways.

"I saw them break through depression. It was like they were bound like a cocoon and as they did art and design, their self-esteem raised," Hullinger said.

Wilfred Bright was once one of Hullinger's students. He was living in a nursing home when she came in to teach a class. Bright says he lacked patience and confidence. But thanks to Hullinger, he broke out of his shell. Now he volunteers for the organization and teaches others the art of jewelry-making. 

"Dustee, she brought me back to life, reality. And got my self-esteem built up. I get emotional because I'm there, in front of everyone, showing them how to make jewelry and I sit back and I think wow, I came a long way," Bright said.

That growth is what inspires Hullinger most.

"I feel like it really is a God-inspired energy that keeps me going. 'Love thy neighbor as thyself' and so we love to go out into the community and enrich people's life all over New York," Hullinger said.

So for helping people build confidence through craft, Dustee Hullinger is our New Yorker of the Week.