For National Foster Care Month, She Stories and the Children’s Foundation of America invited women in the community to a very purposeful  event at the dA Center for the Arts.

She Stories is a series of storytelling nights for women to share their experiences with other women, to voice their challenges and share their victories. In celebration of National Foster Care Month in May, She Stories teamed up with the Children’s Foundation of America to raise awareness and collect personal care items for teen girls in foster care.

Instead of admission, guests were asked to bring care packages for teen girls in foster care. Items donated included brand new shampoo, conditioner, body wash, feminine sanitary products, undergarments, deodorant, soap, lotion, hair brush, tooth brush, toothpaste, facial cleanser, makeup, jewelry, and so much more. In all, we collected over $500-worth of care items for young ladies in foster care. We distributed to the teen girls of Trinity Youth Services and continue to distribute to local organizations in need of these kind of items.

After guests contributed their donations, five storytellers shared their personal foster care stories, their challenges and their victories. Plus, vocalist Kesha Shantrell performed a couple of inspiring songs and guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Cheese Cave.

Children’s Foundation of America Executive Director, Cher Ofstedahl, shared her own personal story of trauma and abuse. Her parting message being that one caring person can change someone’s life. Cher has made it her life’s work to help trauma-affected children heal and break the cycle of generational abuse.

The Children’s Foundation of America, together with the dA Center and She Stories, were able to stir hope and inspire dialog about childhood trauma during National Foster Care Month and raise awareness for the need of action within our own community. Since this first event, plans have been made to continue this partnership. My Story is a storytelling opportunity where men and women are able to express their story through speaking, poetry, song and any other artistic avenue. Stay tuned for updates for September’s event benefiting the Children’s Foundation of America.

Jenelle Phillips, Development Specialist
Jenelle oversees the day-to-day operations and staffing of the Foundation, which includes fundraising events, volunteer coordination, community outreach and donations. Above all, Jenelle’s focus is to identify and access resources in order to help children heal, learn and thrive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Fullerton and has become very involved in the community. She is active in her church, owns an art gallery, organizes the local art walk and is on the executive board of the downtown district’s marketing group.