When I read about Enchanted Makeovers via Sarah Macklem from The Yellow Cape Cod I contacted her immediately thru email wanting to know how I could be a part of this mission. She put me in touch with Terry Grahl the founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers. Heres a little about Terry and her vision via her website…
Enchanted Makeovers, is embodied by the work and spirit of Terry Grahl, Chief Executive Officer and Visionary. Terry aspires not so much todo something as to be something. It’s not a series of “decorating” projects; it is a movement to transform not only the lives of women, mother’s, teens and children who are rebuilding their lives in shelters but also to transform those who participate in the giving. This represents a profound shift in the traditional view of philanthropy and the communication of it is the essence of the Enchanted Makeovers brand.
So after talking with Terry today for almost 2 hours I am very excited to be jumping on board with her mission.
What made me want to be a part of this? As a teenager I spent of lot of time in group homes. They are not welcoming, encouraging, nice, or friendly feeling in any way. As a young girl being unsure, scared, confused and discouraged by life to begin with, going into a group home that is stark, cold, uninviting, and definitely not encouraging didn’t help with my confidence and courage. It was down right depressing and didn’t make for a great start to my journey in these places.
BUT….yes there’s a but to think about : )
What if you could a take that same unsure, scared, confused and discouraged girl and brought her into an environment of warmth, and comfortable surroundings that felt inviting and safe? I’ll give you a hint… confidence and reassurance… to feel safe to open up, to feel welcomed and cared for. If you go into a place that is old, broken, and falling apart then could you feel new, confident and fixed? Nope… You yourself would feel old, broken, and like your falling apart. Take this and apply it to battered women shelters. Strong couragous women, & mothers, who are already feeling broken, abandoned, and hopeless. What if they could come into a place that feels safe, secure, warm, inviting, inspiring, and hopeful? I’ll give you another hint : ) They would be one step closer to finding their strength, courage, voice, and confidence that had really already been there all along, but just just got a little lost. Helping to provide an environment like this is a part of what Enchanted Makeovers is all about and I am proud to be a part of this.
Please take a few moments and check out the Enchanted Makeovers site. Go ahead click over then hurry back for the next part! : )
What did you think? I know it made me want to do something to! So as you seen they are always in need of donations. Please if you consider donating something for the makeovers make sure it is new. Just because the women and girls are in these places doesn’t mean they deserve less or ruined items. If you are willing to donate some of your handmade items, such as blankets, rugs, headbands, stuffed animals and such it would be an honor to accept them and very appreciated by those who will receive them.
Now : ) teehee Simply Creative Boutique is looking for ideas on makeover projects such as frames, mirrors, paintings, or any decor projects that you can think of for ideas to use in these Shelters. The theme for the current project going on at the Detroit Mission House is a shabby chic, cottage, vintage treasure kind of feel with some whimsy thrown in. What decorating ideas do you have? What sort of projects can be done for decor in this makeover? There are 21 rooms to be completed, and a sewing room. They will not all match but have the same feel. Do you have some handmade items you can donate?
Simply Creative Boutique will be hosting an Enchanted Makeover event in October (date soon to follow) We will be making decor items for use at the Detroit Mission House makeover. We are in need of volunteers to come help assemble chosen projects. Please contact Jennifer at http://www.simplycreativeboutique@gmail.com or 586-307-4816 with any questions or to find out how you can help transform lives.
P.S. I am also making this Pinterest project 4 from my Pay It Forward Pin : ) I know it’s a bit of cheating