In the State of Louisiana, 25% of girls are living in poverty; 37% of girls are overweight and we have the highest percentage of girls who feel unsafe in school. 60% of our girls reside in a low-income household and 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking and drinking. Louisiana has seen a 25% increase in human trafficking victims, with 201 victims being 17 years old or younger. When I think about the state of girls across this country, in my state, the purpose and vision for Steel Magnolias of Louisiana became very clear to me.
My journey in finding my purpose in understanding my WHY has guided my decision to launch Steel Magnolias of Louisiana. Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What can I do to bring about change in the world I live in? Often in life, we are very clear about what we want to do and how we are going to do it and I think that is actually the easy part. But it is when we understand our WHY, our purpose that is when we are truly able to use that passion to fuel our efforts and move forward to achieve our goals.
I must say that the vision for Steel Magnolias of Louisiana has always been clear to me. But what has been most beautiful is that it has become a shared vision with other women in our community. They too understand the need and recognize that they have an opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. They want to bring hope to girls who may often feel hopeless. These women want to teach girls that they have value and worth and they are committed to educating, empowering and engaging girls to make them stronger women. Women working together to collectively bring about change – sit back and watch what happens as a result of it!
I am so happy to be able to provide a platform for girls and women that creates a sisterhood committed to bringing about positive change. Steel Magnolias of Louisiana embraces the belief that “it takes a village” and we welcome others to become part of our village. Many of us have been fortunate enough to have people in our lives who have poured love and good into us. Family, teachers, mentors and friends who supported us and provided us with opportunities to be successful. Not every girl in our community has that. I believe Steel Magnolias of Louisiana will do the same for local girls in Acadiana.
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