I am so excited to start working on a dream I’ve had for YEARS. Starting small, but at least I’m starting at all!

I’ve had a desire to improve the lives of children in foster care for years, but never had a clear idea of how…. feeling inadequate with what I have to give. I recently was given the chance to hang out with some kids, and was finally able to put actual faces to the cause I knew I wanted to help with. I saw first hand that these kids are GOOD kids.  They are in this situation through no fault of their own.  They did not pick the situation they were born into.

The organization that organized this event is Together We Rise.  I hadn’t even heard of this organization before, and didn’t do much research before I spent the day with them reuniting children with siblings they have been separated from.  They were giving these kids a full day at Six Flags, just being kids with their siblings.  How simple.

I also saw first hand how small things like the ability to pick out a souvenir, gave these children happiness and even a little dignity.

Then I learned that when entering the system, these kids are not only usually separated from siblings, but they are also issued two trash bags in which to bring their belongings. I cannot imagine the trauma of leaving the only home you know (even if it is an unfit home) coupled with being given some trash bags that equates to some of the only belongings you will take with you. I can only imagine that this scene plays out in a chaotic series of events that I can’t even imagine handling at my age.  That is a memorable, and unfortunately defining, moment in their lives.

I’ve decided that one place I can start making a difference, is to make sure their first few moments of foster care doesn’t include a garbage bag.  I would like them to know that people care about them.  I would like them to know that they, and their belongings, aren’t trash.  I’ve decided that I will begin by donating a portion of my business proceeds to a program called Sweetcases.  These sweetcases are duffle bags that include a teddy bear, a blanket, a hygiene kit, coloring book and crayons.  They are $25 each.  Once I reach my first goal, I will be sent a box of these sweetcases, we get to decorate and assemble them, and then we get to deliver them to agencies right here in our own community.  I’m starting relatively small, but you can keep track of this first goal here on my fundraising page.  This fundraising page is hosted by Together We Rise, so if you find yourself wanting to contribute as well, you can do so through that page!  I’m already over 60% to my first goal!!

I sincerely hope my clients get to share in the experience of helping these children.  Knowing your wedding or family photoshoot is not only honoring your family, but someone in need of one, seems like a perfect circle.