Girls, Gowns and Grants

I know, I know. Today is Thursday and I'm just getting around to Monday's blog. It's been a tough week!

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but my sisters and I started a non-profit about five years ago (can't believe it's been that long already!!). It's called Sisters Empowering Women. Inc. We work with at-risk teenage girls, especially those in foster care (no big surprise considering, right?) and adult women.

Anyway, along with my writing career, I really feel led to make the non-profit all that it can be; and many times I use my writing skills for the agency. We are working on fitness and nutrition this year and I've been busy writing grants for funding (I had two due in the last three weeks). We also give away evening gowns for prom and homecoming each year to girls who can't afford them.  So, I've been working hard getting ready for prom season.

The girls are always so appreciative and excited about the chance to pick out a pretty gown just like all the other girls. I wanted to write about some of those girls this week.

Many are in foster care and would have had to wear a gown a social worker had from their prom 8 years ago. Some are living with a mom or dad that had no idea where they would get the money from for the ticket much less the dress. Girls in the program don't understand the basics for taking care of themselves even as some approach their 18th birthday (and will be forced to live on their own).  Some are struggling in school and most lack basic life skills. Some have left the group, not wanting to follow the rules we set forth and the guidelines for participation - many return, wishing they hadn't left and with the tough life scars to prove it. One came to see us just today, pregnant and regretting that she didn't take the advice and help we offered that could have prevented pregnancy.

I have realized that one of the reasons I work is to take care of not only my two children, but the children of mothers and fathers who can't and even some who just won't.

No matter what state you live in, foster care is a reality. And imagine, if you grew up in a group home without the help to be successful, there are a lot of men and women walking around still struggling with how to be a responsible adult - they just didn't have a proper model to follow. I hope that some of you will take the time to research agencies where you can make a difference.

Take a look in your closet, do you have a dress or suit you can donate? Is there a young boy or girl in your neighborhood without a mom or dad that you might mentor? Or, maybe you can spread the word about a worthy cause and inspire others to donate.

We begin giving out dresses next Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes. No matter how hard my day may have been, spending time with these girls lets me know just how blessed I am.

Comments

[Andrea Smiley]

I just saw your posting on womenforhire. I have a 15 year old daughter, who we must buy at least 3 dresses a year for - homecoming, winterball and now prom - she wears the dress once and that's it - we would love to possibly donate to your organization.