"We are Beloved" Summer School Program for Middle and High School Girls is a wrap!
It has been an incredible 8 weeks! We learned so much from the girls and hopefully imparted information that they will take with them for a lifetime. Our focus was personal leadership, civic engagement and entrepreneurship. We had over 54 applications, 36 starts and 28 girls making it over the finish line! Here are a few highlights:
We did it! As we looked across the community, we weren't aware of any other organization creating opportunities and experiences for girls. We believe, and summer camp confirmed, girls need a unique and customized approach. We had our ups and downs, however, overall, we expanded the village for these girls, and we hope expanded their view of what is possible. We are developing a network to help ensure girls have access and opportunity and parents have additional support. A membership only website and monthly meet-ups, along with an improved and enhance summer program in 2025. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out. We'd love to have you.
In partnership with Lora McDonald, Thomas James and More2, our girls identified gun violence as a number one concern in the community. They researched and prepared and on July 22nd, several of them had the opportunity to testify and be interviewed regarding their concerns. This experience helped them to understand the power they have in collective voice and what it means to stand up for an issue or concern that is important to you. Beloved! A Resale Boutique for Women was opened on June 9th at the beautiful Crown Center! We had a team of 5 girls committed to the boutique all summer to learn the in's and out's of running a small business. We are thrilled that our Kauffmann Prox interns won 3rd place for a presentation on their experience at Beloved! and why representation was so important. One of our participants was featured on KSBH41 about her own bakery business and how this experience was beneficial.
Our plan was creating an opportunity for the summer, however, we ended up creating a model that may be sustained throughout the year. We are opened until the end of the year, stop by and let us know what you think!
Beloved! A Resale Boutique for Women 2450 Grand - Suite 102 Crown Center Shops Kansas City, Missouri 64111 816-437-7070
