Girls from HomeSafe’s Sylvester Family Foundation West campus in West Palm Beach were recently given a lesson that will last them a lifetime. Through her Imagine U program, HomeSafe board president, Tarra Moten, treated 11 girls to dinner at a high-end restaurant. However, this wasn’t only an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a fancy meal; it was a glimpse into the world of possibility – showing the girls what hard work and dedication could offer.
As conceived by Mrs. Moten, Imagine U empowers young women to live successfully and independently by instilling confidence, competence and a strong sense of well-being. This multifaceted program is designed to set young women up for success in both their personal and professional lives. Topics covered include etiquette training, tutorials on makeup and appropriate dress for different settings, networking, stress management, time management, and loving and honoring yourself (identifying your unique gifts, believing in yourself and building healthy relationships).
Throughout the three-hour evening, Elrika Richards, a close friend of Mrs. Moten’s and a protocol expert, discussed with the girls the proper behavior and correct use of utensils for each course. While some rules were naturally easy for the girls to follow, it was obvious others were new. Thanks to hands-on practice and some gentle guidance, the girls acquired the new skills. The girls, staff and other successful women in attendance, shared easy conversation with moments of giggles when it was realized the wrong fork was used or food accidentally landed off the plate.
Mrs. Moten and her guests listened to, and encouraged the girls on school and goals, and shared their excitement for what the future holds for all of them. Following dinner, each girl was asked to tell the group at least one thing they learned from the evening. Most were eager to share at least two. The adults were moved when one of the teenagers told them that she planned to FaceTime her younger brother the next day to get him up to speed. For their willingness to learn, all of the girls were rewarded with gifts donated by Tarra Enterprises and by County Commissioner Mack Bernard’s office.
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