Help Sisters Empowering Women, Inc. give at-risk adolescent youths a merry Christmas this year.
TAMPA — Sisters Empowering Women, Inc. (SEW) is now accepting applications to provide gifts to underrepresented and at-risk teenage girls who may not receive Christmas gifts. The organization strives to support at-risk adolescent girls in their journey to adulthood, teaching them how to communicate effectively, advocate for themselves, guard their mental health and value their voice.
The initiative is called The Believe Project, and Amber Conage, SEW’s board vice chair, said it is designed to bring back a little Christmas magic for girls who may be going through a tough time during the holidays.
SEW is a not-for-profit organization in Tampa founded by three sisters: Amber Conage, Toni Boyd and Karin Davis-Thompson.
“Everyone loves a good toy drive,” Conage said. “It’s always fun to shop for the latest toys to share with a child in need, but what about that 15-year-old girl? She isn’t into dolls anymore, and styles change so often it can be hard to know what to buy.”
Social service agencies and schools can nominate girls ages 13-17 for a gift. To qualify, she must receive free or reduced lunch or have a hardship that the nominating agency will explain when completing the nomination form.
Karin Davis-Thompson, SEW’s president and co-founder, said she hopes the initiative will be the first step in providing support for the girls recommended for a gift.
“We have a lot of ways we can help, from mentoring to help with school supplies, tutoring or just someone to talk to,” she said. “We hope this will be a small way to let them know that they are not alone.
Along with gifts that have already been donated, including new designer wristlets and purses, gift cards, laptops and beauty boxes, the organization’s Ugly Sweater Party Fundraiser is raising money to purchase additional gifts to increase the number of girls the organization will be able to help.
The fundraiser, set for Dec. 10, will include a family fun night of games, food, prizes, a dessert and hot cocoa station, and fun Christmas music. Tickets for the event are on sale now, $20 for adults and $15 for kids 10 and under.
Applications to be considered for a gift must be received by Dec. 1. Any agency interested in nominating a teen girl can email sistersempoweringwomen@gmail.com for a link to the application form. Anyone interested in providing a donation or purchasing a ticket for the Ugly Sweater Party can call the non-profit at 813-593-3924.
Sisters Empowering Women, Inc.
SEW is a not-for-profit organization in Tampa founded by three sisters: Toni, Karin, and Amber. The organization’s mission is to empower women and girls in underrepresented groups to use their voices, know their worth, and be confident that their stories and experiences have value.
Programs include Gowns for Girls, Journal the Journey (providing free journals to encourage girls to use journaling to sharpen their writing and communication skills), mentorship for girls in their junior and senior years of high school and their freshman year of college and wellness programs (to encourage a focus on physical and mental health).
Great 👍, thanks for all your help and support.