|
|
|
Oct
16
Written by:
DeShawn Snow
Thursday, October 16, 2008
That’s what DeShawn Snow and the DeShawn Snow Foundation are doing through their girl-focused initiatives. Snow is a star of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta and wife of NBA great Eric Snow. But, she’s not your average socialite. This mother of three is using her star power to help build a generation of strong young women. Her foundation’s latest success carved out a space for girls between the ages of 11 and 17 to become their best selves. For one week this past summer, the foundation surrounded nearly 300 girls with enough power to light a city block. The DSF Empower Me! Camp hosted girls from all walks of life and taught them how to be strong in who they are so that they can make good life choices.
With prominent community leaders as workshop facilitators, the foundation drew the crowds in and delivered on their promise to “uplift, motivate, encourage and strengthen young girls.”
Illysse Daniels, a 17-year-old senior at Westlake High School, says she loved the camp and promises that she’ll go again, if she can. “It was a wonderful experience. We learned valuable lesson about waiting for the right person, time management and more.” Daniels says the time management workshop was her favorite because it taught her to break up her subject matter and study in organized blocks of time. “I think these are skills I’ll use as I go on to college,” she adds.
The Third Time’s the Charm
This was the third year of the Empower Me! Camp, and first-time camp director, LaTonya Story says it won’t be her last. She knew becoming part of the DSF team was the right thing to do. “The moment it clicked was when several girls came up to me during the camp needing a shoulder to cry on. The connection and bond that is formed is indescribable,” she explains.
More Than They Asked For
Workshop facilitators rave about the DSF Empower Me! experience. Rene Cratfield is a marketing professional with a background that includes stints with TNT, the NBA and Russell Simmons. She facilitated the “I Love Myself” workshop, and is already contemplating a return from her temporary residence in France to participate in the next Empower Me! Camp. She says, “At first, I was hesitant to do the workshop. I was chosen to talk about self image, appreciation and respect. I felt unworthy to teach it, because – like many women – I’m still dealing with loving myself! Then I realized that I could use that with the girls.”
Chatfield admits that she got just as much out of the camp experience as her campers did. “There was one girl who wouldn’t say anything in the beginning – not her name or anything. At the end of the week, she opened up to the group and talked about her tough childhood, which included horrible memories of molestation. The girl said that if it weren’t for the camp, she wasn’t sure she would’ve made it through the next week. I don’t know if there’s anything else out there that can do that for young women,” she added.
More to Come
The 2009 DSF Empower Me! Camp plans are already in the works, and space is limited. Widely known Atlanta-based rapper Michael Render (better known as “Killer Mike”) was even so impressed with the program that he vowed to enroll his daughter in the next session. Don’t hesitate. For a limited time only, the week-long camp is FREE to all young ladies between the ages of 11 and 17. As the program grows, the opportunity to affect more lives grows right along with it. Lend your hand or your handbag to the cause, and help the DeShawn Snow foundation equip more and more young women with the self-esteem it takes to live a purposeful, fulfilling life.
Click here to learn more about the camp workshops and view videos
For information about donating to the DeShawn Snow Foundation or to volunteer your time, contact 877-578-0231 ext. 81.
Tags:
9 comment(s) so far...
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
DeShawn,
I think you are doing a fabulous job of imparting into the lives of our precious girls. Often times it takes us a while to truly understand that the gifts, talents and resources that God gives to us, is only so that we can deposit them into the lives of others. I am relatively new to Georgia, and I have a sincere heart and PASSION for working with girls. I know that God has properly positioned me here in Georgia to make a positive impact on the lives of teenage girls, and I am ready to fulfill his plan for my life. I am a recent seminary graduate, so my hat goes off to you for working on your MDIV Degree. May the force be with you.
Blessings
By Midwife of Motivation on
Sunday, October 19, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
what about young women age 26. i need a blessing as i speak right now. i have 2 children ages 1 and 6 years old. I don't have a home for them and i don't have a job. i just look at the rich people and think how could you spend 5,000 dollars on a handbag when that money could go towards somebody out here that's homeless or that's in the need for a roof to go over there head. I pray every day and night and I have faith and believe me with 5,000 dollars in my pocket i would think that's alot of money. I just need something to get me started and i need a push to do what i got to do. i want to go to school but it's hard because i don't have the money and clothes to attend. everyday I wash and where the same jeans and shirt almost everyday. my children are the same way. we can go look at a house and my 1 year old son just start crying when we leave. my daughter ask me if this is our house and i tell her with GOD by our side this will be our house. I just need a little help if you understand where i am coming from. Please write me back Mrs. DeShawn i will be gladly to here from you. email me at psheneathia@yahoo.com thanks.
By psheneathia on
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
How would I go about finding a company to back me with setting up a Foundation for patients with cancer? This Foundation would help assist them in the time of need for Bills, Food, Shelter, and Clothing if needed. I am really interested in doing this for cancer patients. I have worked with patients for 9 years and I feel this has been looked over. I know we have Copay assist programs that help with there Chemotherapy/Drugs, but what about there lively hood, these people are taking treatments and having to deal with financial crisis as well. I have actually witnessed patients leaving out of the office crying because they can’t feed their children or they don’t have the funds to keep there lights gas, etc on. Please Help!!!!
By Denise Ross on
Thursday, October 23, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
Hello Deshawn,
I was just watching TV and saw your show. After watching the show I decided to do an internet search for you on the web about your foundation. I just want to let you know that I am so excited to see someone take an interest in the lives of these young girls. I remember when I became a teenager and all the issues I faced. I couldn't go to my mother becasue she was a single mother and had her hands tied with just trying to provide a home for my siblings and I. Oh how I wish I had your foundation and website as a resource. Deshawn, girl do the damn thing!
By Rlmveazy on
Thursday, October 23, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
DeShawn,
Your foundation is based on God sent instruction. I am always excited when business people take interest in our children, but I am even more excited when a member of the body of Christ initiates action. We know that greater is he who is within us than he who is in the world. With that said I have faith that you are in the mist of your purpose and your steps are being ordered. By the way I just caught the "The Housewives of Atlanta" this weekend. I really enjoyed the different personalities, but I need to tell you that when I first heard you speak on the show, I said this girl is a Christian. You truly carry yourself as one who is secure in the knowledge that her spiritual father has her back. You and your family are in my prayers. Keep up the great work.
Your Sis in Christ
By Jzajza on
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
Hi Deshawn.Hopefully I am not the first Jamaican to show you love. You are an inspiration to me and many.I have always dreamed of helping teens but not in a position to at this point of my life. However in couple of years I hope to be.I am not wealthy but well off and I love helping people. God has a way of doing things and my prayers will be answered soon.I have seen my neice go through so much and I know they are many more like her. I will be updating you periodically to let you know where I am with getting my organization started.By the way I read where someone wanted to know why do you buy expensive stuff and feel good about yourself. Didn't she see how you are helping others.Some people are just haters.My dear I am so positive that 1 day our path will cross and it will truely be an honor when that happens.Keep up the good work.You & your family will always be in my prayers.You are truely blessed by God.He provided you with a wonderful husband and gorgeous sons.My email with any tips or idea is micheline@elan-usa.com.
By torri123 on
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
I THANK YOU HAVE A NICE BIG FAMILY U ARE ONE MOMMMA WIT A BEAUHTFULL HOUES YOU ERIC SNOW MAKE A GOOD TEAM OF PARENTS U HAVE GOOD BUINESS AND LOTS OF BIG FOR AND YOUR FAMILY IM A BIG FAN OF YOUR HUSBAND ERIC SNOE HE ONE OF FAVORITE B-BALLER PLAYER IN THE WORLD U LIVING A NICE COOL NEIBORHOOD YALL GET A ONE BIG FAMILY YALL THE NEXT KOBE BRYANT FAMILY YALL HAD A GOOD 08 YEAR SEE U IN 09 NEXT YEAR
By SNOOP DOGG on
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
Mrs. Snow I wish there was a way for you to help the girls here in Las Vegas. Also did you ever think about helping women that have had mental problems or other problems that do not know how to do a buget or balance a check book. more like a one on one thing there realy is not anything out here like that, that I know of. If there is I hope someone will tell me. I have stuggled all my life and I am finely on the right medication. I do not hate any of you girls as a matter of fact you have inspired me to be the diva I know I am. My husband is always putting me down and he dose not even realize it because he has his own problems. I am trying to find work now because it will take three years for my disablity to come though Thanks for listing Laura Lee I love all of the housewifes you make me what to be a better person everyday
By rosequeenblue on
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
|
Re: Using Star Power to Empower
Deshawn
Your foundation is very inspiring, I work with at-risk student and my heart bleeds for our young ladies. The old adage “Too much is given much is expected,” and you have inspired me to start my own foundation. Our mission is to make the holidays merrier for families in need. It all began, because my best friend and I (who also works with at-risk youth) had taken a look at our kids and saw how blessed our families are and how Christmas was becoming more about the material things and how we would purchase toys they would never play with pass Christmas Day. So, 3 years ago we decided that with the help of family and friends we would provide Christmas for other families. I’m happy to say that this year we are able to help 5 families. After watching the 1st episode you present your foundation and reading more about it, I call my best friend and told her we need to start our own foundation. It’s hard but we are walking in faith and I know it’s OK. You keep up the great work with your girls. Thank for giving us that push we needed. God Bless
KYM
By KYM123 on
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|