here are some stories from the lives we’ve impacted thus far
We are so humbled and honored to assist our fellow women! To date we have provided assistance with essential needs like food, shelter, lodging, and clothing. We have also assisted with education, granted financial relief, poured into businesses and more. The precious lives we have impacted truly have special places in our hearts. Some of the individuals prefer to keep their names private, and we wholeheartedly respect their requests.
OUR YOU ARE LOVED DRIVE
We managed to feed 26 boys and 30 girls on February 12th. 2023 at Eldoret Children’s Rescue Center in Kenya with some nourishing treats. We chose some girls and boys to get manicures, pedicures and spa treatments as well. We also distributed bags with essentials and love notes.
The kids were over joyed with their hair and spa treatments and they felt beautiful and loved. Our representative in Kenya said that the smiles on their faces especially the girls, were so bright. It was also their first time getting manicures and pedicures done too.
The best part of their day was going to their local KFC and ice-cream parlor.
They devoured their food and really enjoyed the meals provided whole heartedly.
meet Cassandra D.
Over a 24 hour period volunteers for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development identified 1,510 homeless persons in Palm Beach County. This is an 8% increase from last year’s totals. Homelessness has always been in issue in this country, ironically an asylum destination for people of many nations. Many people have their thoughts on the causes of homelessness, but life will teach you that it’s not all black and white. There are people and stories attached to the numbers and statistics.
Cassandra D. is a single mother of 6 beautiful children, ages 12 years to 4 months old. For a year the family slept in her mid-size SUV. Fortunately there were times when her mother could afford to put them in hotels for days at a time, but for the most part she chose discreet yet safe parking lots to sleep in at night. Always haunted by the thought that DCF would be alerted and her children would be taken away. She spent her entire pregnancy barely sleeping to keep an eye out for concerned citizens that may report a family of 7 sleeping in a car. How did it come to this you ask?
Cassandra has always worked. Pre-COVID, Cassandra had 2 jobs to provide for her family. The Department of Children and Families were alerted after Cassandra reported being raped by her boyfriend and father of her second youngest child. At the time she was living with her mother, who had full custody of 4 of Cassandra’s nieces and nephews. Because she didn’t want her mother didn’t face any consequences, and did not have a desire to put her in jeopardy, or interfere with the livelihood of her sister’s children, she chose to leave her mother’s house.
Sleeping in dim-lit parking lots while thinking, “Is DCF going to take my children away? That was all I kept asking myself?” Coupled with the loss of her job and a place to live, Cassandra was considered high risk. “I had a lot going through my head and it was very stressful. I didn’t want people to feel like I just got my hand out. I worked. I didn’t want to be in that position.” After a contact via a local non-profit,Cassandra was linked with Balanced Women and The Sister Sister Initiative.
Her notes of thanks
The Initiative provided her family with a few nights stay in a hotel. Cassandra and the kids were able to sleep in a bed and take hot baths. Cassandra was also in need of household items. Since she had limited resources she wasn’t sure how she would get simple things, things we take for granted like laundry detergent, cleaning products, diapers for her little ones, even bath soap. While she was thankful for shelter, she now had another hurdle. The Sister-Sister Initiative provided Cassandra with everything to make her transition a smooth process. “I didn’t have money to purchase those things. It may seem simple, but not having to worry about where that money was going to come from was huge in that moment. Seeing the smile on my kids face is everything to me. I should be placed in permanent housing very soon. I’m very grateful for Balanced Women and The Sister-Sister Initiative.”
MEET LASHELL
We are truly thankful that we were able to assist the beautiful Lashell with some of the financial relief she needed to start the process of building a home to provide safety and sanctuary for herself and her three children. We have also poured into her need and desire to further her education. This will be a vital step to ensure that she is propelled into the right direction to launch her food business in the future as well.
Thank you for your continued support and for pouring into The Sister-Sister Initiative.
We are our sister’s keeper.
We love you Lashell, and we’re rooting for you!
Her story…
A home is a place where you feel safe and where you are at peace. It gives you a sense of belonging and longevity. You also feel comfortable knowing that you are not making someone else uncomfortable or that you are not always on the edge awaiting someone to throw you out.
On the other hand, being homeless does not have a face. It does not have an age, gender or race. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics statistical definition "when a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations."
Some people are born and raised in homelessness, some are thrown into this state by various circumstances, and others unfortunately have to choose it as a means of survival.
Lashell F. chose this at the young age of 17. She left her grandmother's overcrowded home to stay by a friend, in her search for stability and somewhere to call her own. Lashell grew up with her mother and 2 siblings in the southern city of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. She did not know her father, only that he was from the village of Moruga. Her life would take a dramatic turn when at the tender age of 9, when her mother passed away. For the first 2 weeks, she stayed by an Aunt in San Fernando, but then moved in with her grandfather where she stayed for the next 2 years. She attended Pleasantville Primary School. When she wrote the SEA (secondary entrance assessment) examination, Lashell passed for San Fernando west secondary school, where she would only complete form 1, around the age of 13.
At this point, Lashell moved to an entirely different area in the north of Trinidad known as Tunapuna, where her grandmother lived. She was transferred to St. Joseph secondary school, where she did not obtain a school leaving certificate but only completed up to form 4 at the age of seventeen. Lashell was forced to make this life changing decision because her grandmother's home was now overcrowded. She stayed by a friend until the age of nineteen when she became pregnant with her first child. With no stability in her life, Lashell moved around a lot and eventually had her second child just 2 years later at the age of 21.
Without having completed school, Lashell is forced to work any job that can somewhat support her and her daughter. She also has to cope with not having her son, her second child, with her as his father took him and refuses to make contact with her, despite her numerous efforts.
Now at the age of 24, Lashell welcomed her third child, another girl and is in pursuit of building her own home and bettering herself for the sake of her children. She was able to secure a spot in an area known as the train line in San Fernando, where she is currently staying by a friend. This is an impoverished community that has welcomed her. Individuals are already assisting her with cleaning the land. It may not be much but it will be her own. Additionally, after growing up in a large household and being one of the oldest cousins, she has developed a love for children and the elderly, but her one true love is cooking. Her dream is to one day have her own food business.
Apart from the tough situations and decisions she had to endure, Lashell realizes that she is ready to better her life for the sake of herself and her children by making the necessary sacrifices required.
We are truly thankful and honored to have the opportunity to pour into her amazing life!
PROGRESS REPORTS:
Materials were delivered to begin the process of building Lashell’s home.
MEET NATALIE MICHELLE
Meet our dearest Natalie Michelle. We are so honored that we were able to assist her in various areas, and that we were able to be a light in her times of darkness as well. We pray for a truckload of happiness, peace, joy, and all things bright and beautiful for your remarkable essence precious Michelle. Congratulations on your union!!!
Her story:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2017. I had 4 rounds of AC chemo treatments, a mastectomy and 4 rounds of Taxtol chemo treatments which was challenging. I also had 18 rounds of herceptin. There are times when I thought I wasn't going to make it and there were also times I asked God to take me. If I did not receive the encouragement and prayers, I was going to give up. Eight months ago I had another mastectomy, therefore I have no breasts, but I love myself. I recently got married. My husband loves and appreciates me for who I am. I know that there will be storms in our lives, but we will not give up. God is in the midst of the storm with us, and he will take us through. Before gold becomes pure it goes through the fire and the outcome is very beautiful. God is with us every step of the way. Just keep holding on. I would like to thank Balanced Women for their continuous love, support, financial aid, encouragement, and for just being a blessing in my life.
custom collaborative support
We had the pleasuring of making a financial donation to their work.
Custom Collaborative’s community of makers have designed a limited-edition face mask in partnership with our friends at NiLu, Harlem's Gift Boutique, located at 191 Malcolm X Blvd just a short walk from Custom Collaborative’s studio. Owner Katrina Parris has curated a cultural lifestyle boutique that celebrates the Harlem Experience.
Each purchase provides critical income to the women in Custom Collaborative’s programs who rely on fashion production work to support themselves and their families. For each mask purchased, we will donate a mask to Harlem Nursing Center.
They work with new upcycled materials from the fashion industry, so each mask is unique and the fabric color and pattern will vary.
Support for Custom Collaborative creates work and businesses for low-income women in garment manufacturing. Your generous gift helps participants professionalize their garment design skills and get hands-on experience, as well as start new careers as artisans and entrepreneurs. They are creating a network of skilled professionals and cultivating a customer base to extend Custom Collaborative's social and economic impact.
Inclusion clubhouse mobile relief center support
We partnered with InClusion Clubhouse. Their mission is to provide social and recreational activities for Special Needs Families that are inclusive for all. We made a financial contribution to their new project with Global Giving. Their Mobile inClusion Relief Center will travel to Special Needs families' providing vital services and relief based on the individual's need. The Center will provide a safe space for relief in areas such as education, supplies, support groups, sensory activities, behavioral services and social skills while maintaining physical distancing and safety precautions. Specifically one on one assistance during academic time, and providing therapeutic play while supporting the parent as well.