All the Single Ladies...

I hate dating.

If you ask me what about dating specifically grinds my gears, I will say everything. So, a few people were more than shocked when I agreed to participate in the Venus vs. Mars Speed Dating Party hosted by The BOSS Network this past Saturday. I participated in the event for three reasons:

• I was asked…
• I need to break out of my comfort zone…
• It seemed more about fun than actual love connections (no pressure *whew*)

I am glad that I dragged my patootie out and played along. I had a blast getting to know the other participants, including two cool chicas that I partied with well into the evening.

Having said all of that…I still hate dating, but think that’s it more fun when there are drinks and great music involved. But, for the ones that don’t go so well, I’ve decided to be “Single for Good.” No, not in that way. Keep reading!

Single for Good is a blog that I discovered while participating in the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon. The author, Bianca, and her friend were at our volunteer site rocking shirts with the blog logo and URL. So, you know that I had to check it out…And, I LOVED the concept of the blog. The author intertwines tales of dates gone awry with good deeds to atone for the sketchy encounters. I took the following passage from her first post:

I am a Single for Good…an uninhibited, love-crazed, romantic humanitarian. I give love-as I look for love-as I blog about love. I challenge myself to not dwell (too long) in the funk being single can sometime bring but, instead, to delight in performing acts of compassion for life and Earth.

The concept is so refreshing and something that I and other single ladies should openly embrace. It’s pretty easy to forget about the shortcomings of that short banker when you’re giving your attention and time to a worthy and (appreciative) cause. While I don’t plan on being single forever, I definitely am excited about being “Single for Good,” and look forward to reading more on this site!

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I learned about Sonya Leathers after she commented on the wall of The Red Pump Project’s Facebook page. While reading her words of support, I couldn’t help but notice her profile picture. It was a sketch of the beautiful gown below.

ANYTIME someone combines style with philanthropy and awareness, I’m all in. And, this time was no different. I reached out the Sonya and told her that I had to talk about her and her designs on my site. So, that’s what I’m doing. Sonya’s “Charity Collection” not only address HIV/AIDS, but breast cancer and diabetes. By incorporating the respective ribbons of each cause into the design, she’s reminding all of us that style and awareness are not mutually exclusive.

Sonya, a New Orleans native, studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA and has worked in the fashion industry for more than 25 years. While living in Houston, she volunteered regularly at the Bering Omega Residential Hospice House, a “safe and loving environment where people in the late stages of HIV/AIDS could live their final days with dignity.” Her time there definitely gave her the spark to design the collection of gowns. Drawing on influences from the 80s, the “Charity Collection” has received more than its fair share of praise and in 2008, New Orleans Magazine presented her with a “People to Watch in 2008″ award. The publication said that Sonya was “a new face doing something interesting with her life that worthy of our awareness.” I couldn’t agree more.

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Every now and then, I come across a charity/nonprofit that makes me super giddy, keeps me smiling, and turns me into a lifetime fan/supporter. Glamour Gals is definitely one of those organizations. Launched 10 years ago by Rachel Doyle, the mission of Glamour Gals is to inspire and organize teens to provide ongoing complimentary beauty makeovers to elderly women in nursing homes. *HUGE smile* There are so many positive elements to this organization: the volunteerism, the inter-generational interaction, the belief that beauty knows no age…I could literally go on for awhile.

Rachel and a true glamour gal

Rachel started Glamour Gals when she was 17 as a way to honor her grandmother who’d recently passed. And, ever since then, she and the organization have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Glamour Magazine, Cosmo Girl, and Newsday. She’s even been on The Oprah Winfrey Show! Glamour Gals continues its work through the participation of many chapters across the country and some awesome volunteers. If you’re in LA, then you should check out GG’s 10th Anniversary Party. Even if you aren’t in sunny LA, the website has a list of ways that you can get involved and show your support.

I spent over two years visiting my mom in a nursing home, and always loved interacting with the other residents. It’s amazing what a visit, kind words, and/or a beauty treatment can do to lift the spirits of those who live in nursing homes. I love, love, love everything about Glamour Gals and look forward to staying in touch with everything this organization has up its beautiful sleeve!

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I’ve had the opportunity to come across so many great people within the past year. Even if I’ve never met them in person, there are certain people that I have a connection to, especially if they share the same life outlook or passion for bettering their community. So, when I first “met” Bessie Winn-Afeku (@fabdogooder), I was immediately a fan. Bessie, a former beauty queen, has leveraged her intelligence, charisma, and concern for others into a creating a mentoring organization for young girls, The She is Me Program. Anyone who takes the time to work with our youth gets my automatic respect. I’ve wanted to profile Bessie for awhile and thought, “There’s no better time than now.”

You’ve mentioned that your past experiences motivated you to reach out and mentor young girls. Did it take you some time to become comfortable with the idea of sharing your story? And, how did you get “over it,” so to speak?

While I was going through the abusive relationship with my boyfriend at the time, I did not talk about it with anyone because I was embarrassed and ashamed.  It took me about a year after the relationship was over to come out and share my story with people. The more I spoke about overcoming an abusive relationship, the more I spoke out about suicide, the more I spoke out about low self esteem, the more I became confident about talking to people. And sharing my testimony helped me get over it, because I would always meet another young women who were either going through a similar situation or had been through one.

Tell me how the “She Is Me, Inc.” program started.

The She is Me Program actually began as an organization that educated teens on dating violence and making healthy choices. But as time went on, I decided to broaden our scope. In mentoring and speaking to young women I noticed that there is not one single issue and one single solution when it comes to empowering young women, and that everything ties into each other. So we shifted the focus  of The She is Me Program to empowering young women through workshops, seminars, the arts; and exposing them to various careers, positive images, goal setting, and positive role models.

What’s the biggest thing that you’ve learned about yourself and the girls over the course of your speaking engagements, mentoring, and workshops?

The biggest thing that I have learned is that I will always leave inspired. When you spend time with our youth (especially young women) you always end up becoming inspired and empowered by them and how strong and courageous they are. Our young women have so much they have to deal with and on a daily basis–way more than we had to at that age-and still they rise.

What’s next for you and the She Is Me program?

We are in the planning stages of expanding to various cities, middle schools and high schools across the country. We will also be hosting a multi-media festival in the fall of 2010 in Atlanta, GA.

What does being a Fab Giver (or DoGooder, in your case) mean to you?

Being a Fab Giver/Do-Gooder means using the life that you have been given to “do good.” We must be of service to others and give. Whether we are giving our time, our wisdom, or our resources, it is included in our purpose and mission in life.

I’m constantly impressed and motivated by Bessie’s committment to the young girls that she mentors, and I make it a point to often tell her so. To learn more about Bessie and her program, then I would encourage you to head on over to her website. You can also find her in the blogosphere over at The Fabulous Do-Gooder.

**Thanks, Bessie!

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Last week in reaction to the Derrion Albert killing and other violence in Chicago, I blogged about getting involved with our youth and the need to recognize community organizations leading the fight. While trying to think of my first spotlight, my mind immediately went to a story that I read in the Chicago Weekly about The Dreamcatcher Foundation. This organization was started by Stephanie Daniels and Brenda Myers-Powell, two Chicago-based survivors of the sex trade industry. Focused on Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, the mission of The Dreamcatcher Foundation is reach out “to girls and young women between the ages of 12-25 years old with the hopes of igniting confidence, courage, independence, and inner strength within them.” Englewood is one of Chicago’s most crime-ridden communities with high rates of violence and prostitution.

Some of the young ladies who participate in the programs have been victims of mental, physical, and sexual abuse. This past makes them vulnerable for sexual exploitation, and this is exactly what Daniels and Myers-Powell want to help them avoid. In addition to traditional mentoring activities, such as arts and crafts, field trips, and academic support, the girls also have access to health services, emotional and psychological services, and personal development workshops.

I think the work done by The Dreamcatcher Foundation is some of the most important work being done in our community. Many people, young/old and male/female, often make unsafe and unhealthy lifestyle choices because they aren’t sure about their self-worth. This foundation makes an earnest and holistic approach to helping these girls set goals and understand that they are so much more than a vessel for sexual relations, either consensual or forced situations.

To learn more about The Dreamcatcher Foundation and how you can become involved, please visit www.thedreamcatcherfoundation.org!

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On September 11th, I went to visit The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired to check out some repairs donated by Mr. Handyman (Read my Examiner article). While there, I was BLOWN away by the facility, the programs, and the services offered. As the Director of PR, Dominic Calabrese, took me on a tour of the place, I literally kept saying “Wow” and “This is awesome!” Up until the moment that I walked in that building, I felt like I was up to speed on the issues facing disabled individuals. But, I realized that lack of mobility and lack of sight are two different monsters (in the same family). Learning about the challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired completely opened my mind.

1. The facility houses a school for blind and developmental disabled young people between the ages of 3-21. The Chicago Lighthouse Development Center provides free, year-round services for students who need the additional attention that public schools often can’t provide.

Chicago Lighthouse Industries Clock Factory!

2. There is a clock factory at the Chicago Lighthouse. Yes, I’m talking a full out factory. See, The Chicago Lighthouse has been producing clocks for federal agencies for over 32 years. Today, the facility continues to employ visually impaired workers and cranks out clocks for the government, some colleges, and companies.

3. There’s a house band that rehearses in-house and performs at Lighthouse functions and across the city. The day that I visited, they performed with Bears coach and legend Mike Ditka! I missed the performance but I definitely plan on making my way back to hear them. The word is that they are GOOD!

4. Ever tried to wash clothes or do other living skills with your eyes closed? Probably not. But, if you did, then you would know how crucial your sight is to these tasks. Visually impaired adults can learn independent living skills in a room equipped with a washer, dryer, kitchen appliances, and more. Other lessons include learning spatial cues, reading Braille, and folding/stuffing.

5. Providing employment opportunities for blind/visually impaired individuals is a huge priority at the Chicago Lighthouse. While there I found out that the unemployment rate for the blind/visually impaired is 70%! In addition to the employment seeking resources, the Chicago Lighthouse also employs many great and dedicated visually impaired employees. They also have employment partnerships with local companies

6. Our veterans are some of our most important citizens. They’ve sacrificed their lives for us, and as they deal with their vision issues, The Chicago Lighthouse will be right their supporting them. The organization distributes low vision equipment and independent living aids to veterans around the country. This includes canes, talking watches, magnifiers, etc!

7. The Chicago Lighthouse has been providing services to the blind and visually impaired for 103 years, and is regarded as a nationwide leader in issues related to this population.

I only listed 7 reasons, but this list could honestly go on for awhile. There are computer labs to teach office skills, a radio station, a national help line for technology for the visually impaired. Honestly, I can’t imagine navigating this world without my sight, but everyday, plenty of people wake up and do it for themselves. I think that it’s so wonderful that The Chicago Lighthouse is around to provide support and programs for this population. I’m looking forward to building a relationship with The Chicago Lighthouse now and in the future.

Thanks to the staff for their amazing hospitality!

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If The Fabulous Giver had a sibling, it would be Dressed to Give. The blog, housed on the Case Foundation’s website, covers philanthropy in many areas of fashion and style. Stephanie, the gal behind the give, started the blog as a way to share ways to be “stylish and socially conscious.”

Check out today’s post about stylish tees for charity, and make sure you add this to your blogroll!

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Charity Chicks Houston Founders at an Event

I had the extreme pleasure of coming across Charity Chicks Houston during a random Twitter search for “charity.” What I discovered has truly been amazing and inspiring all at once! After learning about Charity Chicks Orlando, Tam’ra and Jayme, decided to incorporate a similar idea in Houston. Charity Chicks have been fundraising and volunteering their services all over H-Town for some great causes. In the past, the group has volunteered at charity walks and raise funds via chic happy hours.

If you’re living it up in H-Town and looking for ways to get involved and meet other great “chicks,” there is a listing of upcoming events posted on the site. And, even if you can’t make an upcoming CC event, the site includes other great opportunities in Houston and resources/organizations that are always looking for extra hands!

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Gave That is a blog focused on great gift ideas. The selection of merchandise presented is vast and ranges from jewelry to housewares. Gave That also gives readers the chance to join invitation-only sample sales sites like Gilt Group, ideeli, and Billion Dollar Babes. Now, provided that you are a Fabulous Giver, you will definitely want to keep an eye out on their “Give Twice” posts, a roundup of products and companies who’ve released a product for a great cause. Check it out for yourself at www.gavethat.com…You can also tweet them (@gavethat)!

Happy Giving…

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While treatments such as chemotherapy are an essential part of fighting cancer, no one denies that it can and will change your appearance. And, of course, outer beauty isn’t everything, but things like the loss of hair or skin changes definitely have some effect on the way some women see themselves. And, studies have found that addressing the non-medical effects of cancer can be just as important as addressing the actual physical symptoms.

Look Good…Feel Better started in 1989 when a physician “prescribed” a makeover for a cancer patient who experienced depression related to her change in appearance. Twenty years later, the organization has helped many women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment through makeovers and one-on-one beauty sessions.

The cornerstone LGFB small group program is offered in all 50 states and DC. There are also international LGFB programs as well! The show doesn’t stop there. In select cities, individuals can also participate in bilingual (Spanish) or teen programs!

Participants spend two hours in a hands-on workshop that includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Additionally, the ladies receive advice on wigs and scarves, along with free cosmetics kits! Each year, More than 50,000 individuals participate in the program. That’s a whole lot of beauty for a great cause

"Hope Is Beautiful" Ad

In celebration of Look Good…Feel Better’s 20th anniversary, the organization just launched the “Women of Hope is Beautiful” campaign and blog which encourages past program participants and cancer survivors to share their stories of hope and survival. You can share your story by clicking here. They’ve also unveiled a great ad campaign! My favorite execution is above, but you can view the rest here.

There are three main organizations which serve as a partners in making all of this happen. There’s the Personal Care Products Council, the nation’s cosmetic industry leaders; the American Cancer Society; and the National Cosmetology Association, which encourages member cosmetologists to volunteer their services. Each year, cosmetic companies, such as Mary Kay, Elizabeth Arden, and Benefit, donate over one million individual products (valued at $10 million) and raise more than $2 million for LGFB.

To celebrate their partnership with LGFB, OPI has designated a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer in July and August to benefit the organization with a minimum $25,000 commitment.

OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer

LGFB is always looking for volunteers. Whether you’re a licensed cosmetologist or just looking to do more general service, there is an opportunity for you. I could probably go on and on about all the great things that Look Good…Feel Better is doing across the country, but I’ll let you explore it for yourself! If you head on over to www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org, you will find studies, videos, photos, beauty tips, and MUCH more!

You can also follow LGFB on Twitter at twitter.com/lgfb! Happy 20th birthday to such a great cause!

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