Cinnamongirl Community Outreach: Dinner is Served

It was more than a dinner, it was an inspirational evening that made what looks to be a lasting impact on both the women of the 24 Hour Oakland Shelter and the Cinnamongirls. Each year, the Cinnamongirls are tasked with choosing a community service project that will make a positive impact on their community. By creating a plan that was multi-tiered, the Cinnamongirls found ways to nourish the souls, and the stomachs, of women living in an Oakland shelter. Prepared with craft supplies galore, the girls led an Inspiration Project. By creating a framed pieces of art that represented hope, empowerment, promise, love, and support, the girls gave self-empowerment gifts that will keep on giving. The goal of reminding these women that their lives have meaning and that they are powerful, and empowered, was clearly met. The girls made heavy realizations that the women in the shelter were not so different from any one of us. One such person in the shelter was a young high school girl earning a 4.0 GPA and accepted to many colleges, but forced by circumstance to be homeless. Alongside her mother, she kept up with her studies and kept secret from her school friends her plight. The project’s reinforcement of this girl’s inner strength was meaningful and made a heartbreaking impact on the Cinnamongirls. If you are able to offer support to the Oakland 24 Hour Shelter, they are accepting gently used towels, linens (twin size), and toiletries. Congratulations to the Cinnamongirls on their successful philanthropic effort.