Learn how young women can foster healthy relationships in their lives, promoting personal growth, self-worth, and empowerment through our educational events and online resources.
Read MoreExplore how our innovative boutique program uses fashion as a tool to empower young women, boosting their confidence, and nurturing their self-worth on their journey of personal growth.
Read MoreDiscover the impact of fashion and personal style as a means of self-expression and confidence-building in young women, empowering them to embrace their individuality and foster their self-worth.
Read MoreUncover the essential elements to nurture and foster self-esteem in young women, empowering them to embrace their unique talents, develop confidence, and strive for personal growth and success.
Read MoreDiscover the importance of effective communication skills for young women and how developing these skills can lead to increased self-worth, confidence, and personal growth.
Read MoreExplore the fundamental principles of building healthy relationships, focusing on the development of emotional intelligence and communication skills in young women, providing them with essential tools for personal and social success.
Read MoreDiscover how fashion can be utilized as a powerful tool to boost confidence, foster self-expression, and build self-esteem in young women, shaping a positive sense of self-worth.
Read MoreFor young women, personal hygiene is about much more than mere vanity. It encompasses an array of self-care habits that can empower them to feel poised, confident, and self-assured. When implemented correctly, personal hygiene can be an essential tool in the ongoing journey toward self-discovery and enhanced self-worth. At Top Buttons, we recognize the potential of personal hygiene to foster a positive self-image and help young women navigate their way through life's challenges with resolute confidence.
This blog will delve into the importance of personal hygiene for young women, exploring how maintaining a healthy and well-groomed appearance can bolster self-esteem and improve overall mental well-being. We will also discuss the role of family, friends, and mentors in promoting healthy hygiene habits and guiding young women on the path to self-worth. Additionally, we will provide practical tips and advice for establishing a personalized hygiene routine that nurtures self-confidence, leading to a greater sense of self-worth in young women
The Significance of Personal Hygiene in Boosting Self-Confidence
When young women take time to invest in their personal hygiene and self-care, it can have a profound effect on their self-confidence and psychological well-being. Focusing on personal hygiene not only enhances their appearance but also nurtures self-awareness, self-love, and mental health. Here are three reasons why personal hygiene holds such importance in building self-confidence:
1. Nurturing self-respect: Taking care of one's physical appearance stimulates feelings of self-respect and self-awareness, leading to a deeper understanding of personal worth and value.
2. Enhancing self-image: A well-groomed appearance can help young women stand tall, exuding self-assurance and reflecting a positive self-image that others can perceive.
3. Creating favorable impressions: Proper personal hygiene enables young women to make positive impressions in social and professional settings, further empowering self-confidence.
Supporting Healthy Hygiene Habits for Young Women
Helping young women develop healthy personal hygiene habits is essential for fostering self-confidence and self-worth. Here are a few key tips for parents, mentors, and friends alike to guide young women in incorporating hygiene routines into their daily lives:
1. Prioritize personal hygiene: Encourage young women to adopt a regular hygiene routine, including daily showers, oral care, and personal cleanliness. These fundamental habits are the foundation of a well-groomed appearance.
2. Teach proper skincare: Skincare is an essential component of personal hygiene. Educate young women about the importance of a customized skincare routine, addressing different skin types and concerns, and the long-term benefits of proper skincare.
3. Encourage hair care and maintenance: Guide young women in finding the right hair care routine for their unique hair type, promoting healthy hair growth and a well-groomed appearance.
4. Double down on nail care: Good nail hygiene is another crucial aspect of personal hygiene. Encourage young women to maintain clean and well-groomed nails.
Establishing a Personalized Hygiene Routine for Enduring Self-Confidence
To maximize the benefits of personal hygiene, it's essential for young women to establish a customized routine tailored to their specific needs. Here's how they can create a personalized hygiene routine to develop self-confidence and reinforce their self-worth:
1. Identify personal needs and preferences: Each individual has specific hygiene needs based on factors like skin type, hair type, and personal preferences. Encourage young women to evaluate their unique requirements and identify areas that may need special attention
2. Learn from experts and role models: Young women should seek guidance from trusted experts, such as dermatologists, hairstylists, and even family members, who can provide valuable advice on creating a personalized hygiene routine.
3. Experiment and adapt: Personal hygiene routines are a dynamic process that may change over time. Encourage young women to be flexible, experiment with different techniques, and adjust their routines as needed.
4. Maintain consistency: Consistency is critical when it comes to personal hygiene. Encourage young women to commit to their routines and maintain them over time to enjoy the full range of benefits for their self-esteem and self-worth.
The Role of Loved Ones in Guiding Young Women Toward Self-Worth
Parents, mentors, and friends play a vital role in guiding young women on their journey toward self-worth. By offering support, encouragement, and guidance in developing personal hygiene habits, these individuals can foster an environment that allows young women to thrive:
1. Model positive habits: Loved ones should strive to set positive examples by maintaining their own personal hygiene habits and demonstrating the value of self-care.
2. Encourage self-expression: Support young women in finding their unique hygiene style, allowing them to express their personalities, preferences, and values.
3. Offer guidance and advice: Be there to provide helpful tips, recommend products, or simply give a listening ear when young women need advice on their personal hygiene journey.
4. Be patient and understanding: Remember that personal hygiene is a learning process, and young women may struggle at times. Offer support and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that personal hygiene is an ongoing journey toward self-confidence and self-worth
Nurturing Self-Worth Through Personal Hygiene and Perseverance
Personal hygiene can be a powerful tool in helping young women build self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall self-worth. By encouraging healthy hygiene habits, establishing personalized routines, and providing the necessary support, we can empower young women to feel confident in their appearance and navigate the journey of self-discovery with grace and poise. Together, we can instill lifelong habits that foster self-love and help the next generation of women achieve their full potential, ultimately leading to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Looking for a way to support a charitable cause while also updating your wardrobe? Look no further than Top Buttons, a faith-based nonprofit organization that aims to build self-worth in young women. And if you're looking for dress shops in Lakeland, FL, consider checking out the secondhand shops that Top Buttons partners with to provide affordable, stylish clothing to those in need. By shopping at these stores, you can support Top Buttons' mission and look good while doing it.
Photo from left to Right: Crew Chief Cameron Oster, Sarah Powers, Jackie Harrison, Tighe Sefcik (Endurance Cyclist & RAAM Supporter), Kristin Swinburne, Kristin Coker, and Coach Owen Shott.
RAAM Coach - Owen Shott
Frederick “Owen” Shott, grew up in a small town in central Florida called Inverness. He moved to Jacksonville in 1999 on a track and field scholarship to FSCJ. 25 years later Coach Owen has won numerous running, triathlon and cycling races locally in Jacksonville, several State and National Championship titles, and has even competed at the World Championship level in cycling and Ironman events. He is the first to tell you he didn't get there on his own, and credits his successes to his own coaches and other athletes around him. He's a big believer that athletes don't coach themselves- just like surgeons don’t operate on themselves. Along with all his accomplishments he has also helped his athletes achieve similar goals.
He has found great success in coaching cyclists, runners, and triathletes; competing at all levels (5k to Ironman). Whether you’re looking to qualify for a big race like Boston or Kona or simply just want to PR at a local 5k, he has a plan for you. He really looks forward to sharing training techniques and athletic understanding he has learned over the past 25 years and hopes to pass those along to you. Owen has also successfully trained athletes for RAAM and is the personal coach to Gears for Good RAAM Team members, Sarah Powers and Kristin Coker.
Update on Sarah Powers & Kristin Coker
Kristen has been doing an amazing job balancing life while training to hit one of her goals to qualify for the Boston marathon, which she did successfully hit the time standard on January 28th! Along the way she has been building her cycling strength for RAAM and competed in the Tampa Bay Frogman swimming event. With those two key events behind her it is now time to dial in and focus 100% on RAAM. Over the next couple months, she will be tested with some of the hardest training she has seen.
This season for Sarah has been about finding the work, life and training balance. She has learned harder, longer and more doesn’t always equal better. So far in her training she has seen over 10% gains in her aerobic fitness. Which is crucial in her growth for RAAM and as an endurance cyclist. After taking a small break for recovery we will be able to turn up the heat and take the next step in her fitness development.
RAAM Coach - Sarah Woodward
Sarah first found her love for cycling when her dad introduced her to cycling in high school. Fast forward several years, and she entered the triathlon race scene in 2009. She placed 2nd Overall, along with having the fastest Bike Split, greatly surprising herself as she had no background in this sport. She went on to win a series of Time Trials and take overall Female titles in shorter distance triathlon races, often with one of the fastest bike splits. As cycling began rising as her strength within the sport of triathlon, she decided that she wanted to grow and develop more, for the sake of others’ own cycling and triathlon journeys, and she pursued becoming a USA Cycling Coach in 2010 and a USA Triathlon Coach in 2013.
She continued to race mainly in the sport of Triathlon while working hard to advocate for the sport of cycling within the female community especially. She became a local Ambassador for LIV women’s cycling in 2014 and hosted numerous Women’s specific group rides and events for a number of years. She then became the Director of Cycling for a local triathlon group she coached with, and coordinated all group rides, CompuTrainer classes and cycling clinics for multittudes of athletes of all skill levels.
Sarah is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, and believes firmly in the use of mind-body connection for helping athletes achieve their ultimate best in any of their endeavors.
Sarah is honored and excited to be a part of the coaching team for this incredibly strong group of women competing in RAAM 2024 and is the personal coach to Kristin Swinburne and Jackie Harrison.
Update on Kristin Swinburne & Jackie Harrison
Kristin and Jackie have both been putting in plenty of saddle time this past month. No matter how daunting the workout or challenge, nor the complexities life throws at them (i.e. unexpected crashes or brushes with vehicles being driven by someone paying little regard to them), they both manage to continue to get their RAAM training in! Both are heading to Colombia with RAAM Team Coordinator Cameron for a week of riding in the mountains to add to their roster of rides and unique riding circumstances to help prepare them for their part in the RAAM TB team race this June.
They have put in 24-hour ride/recovery days along with 200 mile rides and multiple 5-hour ride days, testing out their resiliency and adopting the RAAM lifestyle, never with complaint and always rising to the challenge! Even when they are thrown unexpected curveballs, they continue to get back on their bikes and find a way to get the job done.
Both of them will be competing in a couple of Gran Fondo’s this Spring, along with Time Trials. They are committed to this RAAM team and are looking forward to getting to do more team riding with all teammates in late February!
Stay Up to Date on our RAAM Training and Important Updates
To see the behind-the-scenes on our training and get important updates about Race Across America, be sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram @gearsforgood!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team makes historic debut as First Polk County Representatives in the “World’s toughest bicycling race.”
Polk County, January, 11, 2024 — The “Gears for Good” Race Across America all-female cycling team is set to make history as the inaugural representatives from Polk County in the renowned Race Across America (RAAM) and it’s to support local nonprofit, Top Buttons. For over four decades, RAAM has stood as an unparalleled test of ultra-cyclists' physical endurance and mental fortitude on a journey spanning more than 3,000 miles and 12 states, from Oceanside, California, to the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, this epic challenge must be completed within 8 days, during which the Top Buttons RAAM Team will race a staggering 3,000 miles and ascend 175,000 feet in elevation.
The “Gears for Good” RAAM Team is not merely pursuing this extraordinary feat for sport; they are riding with a mission to spotlight the needs of young women facing at-risk and vulnerable situations. Top Buttons, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building self-worth in young women through mentorship, education, and fashion, aims to empower these individuals with essential resources for their journey to be transformed.
ABOUT TOP BUTTONS
Founded on the principles of mentorship, education, and fashion, Top Buttons operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to instilling self-worth in young women. With a focus on mentorship programs, life skills education, and the provision of hygiene and clothing resources, Top Buttons impacts the lives of over 500 young women facing at-risk situations annually. The organization currently has four brick-and-mortar locations in Polk County, including three Thrift Boutique and Beauty Bars, along with Plum Boutique, through which they facilitate their programs and Top Buttons offers the opportunity for affiliate locations to launch in communities nationwide. Their St. Pete Affiliate location will open in the Spring of 2024.
Services provided by Top Buttons cater to young women aged 11-25, including those rescued from human trafficking, individuals with special needs, those in foster care, victims of domestic violence, single mothers, and those facing low income or limited resources.
WHY RAAM
Sarah Powers, the founder and CEO of Top Buttons, has passionately embraced merging her love of cycling with her desire to increase the nonprofits impact on the local community. Her commitment to promoting women's empowerment and increasing female representation in cycling spurred the formation of the “Gears for Good” RAAM Team.
Joined by local female cycling enthusiasts, who share a love for both cycling and the cause championed by Top Buttons, the Gears for Good team aims to raise awareness and funds for the organization's vital programs. The team’s riders are Sarah Powers, Jackie Harrison, Kristin Swinburne, and Kristen Coker. This historic journey across the United States serves as a symbol of determination, resilience, and a collective effort to support young women in their pursuit of transformation.
To learn more about the “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team, or how to get involved please visit us online at www.raamg4g.com for more information. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gearsforgood to stay up to date oh the team’s training as they prepare for Race Across America.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cassie Brown at Cassie@TopButtons.org
Discover the key role self-worth plays in shaping young women's lives and how we can cultivate self-esteem to empower them to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Read More
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our event sponsors, whose generous support played a pivotal role in making this evening possible. Special thanks go out to Bonnet Springs for providing the beautiful venue that set the stage for our inspiring night. We're grateful for Frescos, our amazing local food vendor, who not only treated our taste buds to a delicious experience but also went over and above to support the mission of Top Buttons.The presence of the Polk State Men Basketball Team and their willingness to stand with us in support of our mission is commendable and is greatly appreciated.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Wesley and Ashley Bell Barnett for connecting us with our featured speaker, Tony Gaskins. Mr. Gaskins shared his incredible story, inspiring us all to sow seeds of positive change and create a lasting impact in the lives of others. His words resonated deeply with our mission
We would like to thank our TB Management Team, TB Staff, our Top Buttons Board of Directors; Cady Johnson, Sarah Powers, Julia Given, Natalie Dyal, Mitchell Stiles, Lori Garrard, Shannon Collins, Eliska Poirier, and Nicole Bradham. Thank you to the fundraising committee that was spearheaded by Board Members, Julia Given and Eliska Poirier and composed of our board, Tb management and community members including Melanie Teagan, Cassie Brown, Danielle Inman, Stephanie Rich, and Kristen Goldsmith whose tireless efforts contributed significantly to Aspire’s event's success.
A special shoutout goes to Sara Garas, our St. Pete Top Buttons Director, who came over to join us for the evening.
One of the evening's highlights was the captivating fashion show, featuring Top Buttons volunteers and recipients of our Wearing Confidence program. Their grace and style showcased the resources provided to the young women we serve, reinforcing the impact of our programs.
Please take a moment and watch this 10-year journey video. We are so thankful for the individuals we have had the privilege of serving and look forward to the years of service to come.
We couldn’t do this without the generous support of our donors, numerous volunteers, and our customers who are like family. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
What is your “Why?” Why do you do the things you do in life? What is your motivation, or the driving force that influences you in your daily attitude and work. Let me introduce myself, my name is Angel Long, I’m the current boutique manager for Top Buttons in Winter Haven. I’m also a wife, mom of three, grandma to four, and a registered nurse of 26 years. I can go on to tell you more, but that is not important. What is important is what is my “why” in this season God has brought me. I have been a customer at Top Buttons for three years. I have laughed, stayed for many talks, prayed with, and shed tears in our stores as a customer. I was praying where God would lead me in work, and in January 2021, this position came open. I showed it to my husband and he said “that is it”. Top Buttons is more than a designer/upscale boutique, to find that “amazing deal”. It is a refuge, an uplifting place of spiritual renewal for many who enter. It is a place where joys are shared, your walls can come down, your deepest needs are spoken, and a place where sisters can rejoice and pray over you. I’ve been that customer. Top Buttons has ministered to many, beyond whom we partner with, to the lady out shopping.
Angel Long & Kelly Hill, TB Winter Haven Team
Now, God has placed me on the other side. To where I can greet and share in life with all who enter her doors. When we step out in faith to where He leads, He will guide and bless! Sometimes the blessings are during the hard times, but HE IS FAITHFUL. We may not understand why HE has placed us in situations, but when HE carries us through, we can see how HIS arms and hands were carrying us along the journey. Top Buttons offers this. It allows that “safe place” where you can be surrounded by sisters in Christ, to help uplift, carry, and pray for needs. To see girls and women that are in need come in and be able to be there for them is beyond everything. It’s a gracious God that allows us to be HIS hands and feet to them. To clothe them physically and spiritually. To see smiles emerge, joy shine through, and confidence restored! To hear them say, I’m trusting in where HE is leading and to see how God is faithful.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised IS faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
All this, is my “why!” Thank you Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven, for overwhelming us with ways to provide for the girls and women in your community with donations! It has truly been beautiful!
We are always in need of volunteers, in many aspects of our mission. If you are interested in partnering with us, or becoming a volunteer please contact us. We also accept women’s clothing and accessory donations at all three of our locations. Stop in for a visit, we would love to see your smile and hear your “why!” May God continue to bless and guide you!
We recently hosted our Spring 2021 Building Up Girls event! The event theme was “Guarded for Greater” with an emphasis on guarding our hearts, minds, and bodies for God’s greater purposes. It was a fantastic event and we are so grateful for another impactful event with the young women in our Wearing Confidence Program!
Read MoreWe are so grateful for everyone who participated in our Top Buttons #GivingHerWings Peloton and Group Ride! This awareness and fundraising event would not have been possible without your encouragement, involvement, and generous support. More than 80 individuals participated in either the TB group ride or the virtual Peloton session.
We'd like to give a special thanks to Road and Trail Bicycles for helping to facilitate the ride, Unfiltered Coffee for providing coffee and snacks for all of the cyclists on the day of our group ride, The Collection Media for the amazing video, We R Lost Boys for the photography, MUMU Apparel for making our Top Buttons kits, and the Top Buttons Board of Directors who provided direction, creative development, and support for the Peloton and road cycling events. Your participation in our effort to raise awareness of our mission was incredible. In the next few months we will begin working on our next TB Cycling Event for 2022 and hope to partner with you once again to make it even bigger!
Also we'd like to acknowledge and thank our main funding partners of the Job Readiness and Capsule Collection Project including:
Iron Horse Family Foundation
Register Construction
Homer and Annette Thompson Legacy
Harrell Family Charities
Mason Consulting Services
Bob and Jerry’s Roofing
John and Denise Curls
Cady Johnson
Ed and Nikki Smith
“Seeing so many Top Buttons Cycling Kits being worn around town on that special day was energizing for our team and monumental for our organization. Raising awareness about our mission is an encouragement to girls in our local community and beyond!”
“The Top Buttons Cycling Event was a fun way to bring the two things I love and support together! It was great to see the cycling community support a great organization that empowers young women to be their best.”
Face masks, hand sanitizing stations, and individual "brunch boxes”….our fall “Building Up Girls” event wasn’t like any we’ve hosted before. 2020 has been tough on all of us, but it’s been especially challenging for many of the young ladies we serve at Top Buttons. While our “Building Up Girls” event usually includes sessions on life skills and personal development, our fall 2020 event focused solely on mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The theme was “Do Not Fear / Only Believe” (Mark 5:36)…it was a message our girls needed, and we did too.
The event opened with a beautiful, clear presentation of Gospel hope and the remaining time was filled with beautiful explanations and expressions of where that Hope can be found and what its application can mean in our lives. We were thrilled to introduce the girls to three incredible women of faith, two being licensed mental health counselors and another being a local pastor. They covered topics such as where to find wholeness in a world full of brokenness, finding internal peace in external chaos, and the effects both negative and positive thoughts can have on our mental and physical health. The girls heard several spoken word poems about the God who created them and holds loving authority over their lives. "Blaze of Praise" is a dance team from SEU that danced to Marvin Sapp’s song, “My Testimony" whose lyrics include:
“in spite of calamity,
He still has a plan for me
And it's working for my good
And it's building my testimony”
Amen! We prayed before the event that it would be a time of sweet fellowship...not just with one another, but with Jesus - and He answered that prayer. The girls left the event with goody bags that not only included practical items like Top Buttons Boutique clothing vouchers and hygiene items, but also a “Faith Over Fear” journal and personal devotional.
We are so grateful for the hope and truth that filled this event. What a gift this time was to not only our young ladies, but to all who attended. While 2020 has been tough, it has had its moments of sweetness…and this was definitely one.
Not only has our Program enrollment grown in 2019, but thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, we were able to add the gifting of brand new undergarments to every girl we served this year. Undergarments are a need few think about, but are so important! Before we were able to include this as a part of our services, we were noticing young women coming in with bras being held together with twisty-ties, if they had appropriate undergarments at all. What the undergarments have added to our program can’t be overly emphasized. To be able to see the girls we serve be comfortable in appropriate fitting clothing from their undergarments to their outer garments has been an incredible gift. And now when the girls come back to see us, we are noticing that they are wearing the same undergarments they were gifted with on their previous visit - and they are thrilled to receive another set! We believe every woman should have the privilege of owning brand new, appropriate fitting bras and panties.
The Morning Cruise with the JoyFM was a champion for our Top Buttons Undergarments Campaign in 2019. We are so grateful for their support and your donation which enabled us to provide this unique and greatly needed resource to young women! With the money raised in December of 2019, we have purchased bras for every young woman who has participated in our Wearing Confidence Program.
Now that we are nearing the end of 2019, we are looking to fund our Top Buttons Undergarment Project once again. We are ecstatic to share with you about our partnership with Soma Intimates. It’s a National Undergarment Company based out of Ft. Myers. They have partnered with us to provide their high quality bras and underwear at a discounted rate to serve the girls of our Wearing Confidence Program. We love Soma because their pieces are beautiful, but not hyper-sexualized….our girls not only feel pretty, but comfortable in being themselves. They also specialize in larger sizing, which is a huge need! Through this partnership we are able to keep the cost of our undergarments project at $40 per girl while still offering a very high quality brand to our girls!
Our goal for 2020 is to once again provide this resource to at-least 300 young women who participate in our Wearing Confidence Program. The girls we serve are truly blessed, and at times emotional, as they receive their undergarments. It is such an essential piece to our Program and no other organization in Central, FL offers a similar resource for at risk young women.
With a 1x donation of $40 from each donor who gave in 2019, we can fund this project once again.
Thank you for your continued support! We are so grateful for what God has done and we are excited and expectant for what He will continue to do.
You can donate via our website www.topbuttons.org/donate or make checks payable to: Top Buttons, Inc. and mail to:
236 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FOR INFO GO TO www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com OR CALL 1-800-435-7352.
Being mentally strong will be a catalyst in your life for success. It doesn’t matter what it looks like on social media, everyone everywhere deals with serious internal battles as they navigate hardships, loss and change. But navigating the challenges of life with Christ at the center will give you what you need to be mentally STRONG. We have put together our Top 3 habits of mentally strong people. One thought at a time, work to reconstruct your thoughts to line up with what God says about you and your life.
1. They take responsibility for their life.
Feeling sorry for yourself and how you have been treated will not change the circumstances. Mentally strong people understand “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. THAT’s you! Work on what you can and keep moving forward. Don’t sit around focusing on the actions of others and things you can’t control. People are people and they will let you down.
2. They adapt to circumstances and take risks.
Mentally strong people understand life happens, things change, people come and go and they are willing to adapt and grow with the changing canvas of our world. Adapting to life doesn’t mean changing your beliefs. Adapting to life means understanding the tools you use to succeed personally and professionally may change quickly. Living life with a willingness to adapt and take risks shows great mental strength as you weigh out the full scope of your decisions (positive and negative) while trusting God in the direction He’s leading you. The Bible says, “God will give wisdom to all without finding fault to those who ask.” James 1:5-8 That’s you! If you ask for Wisdom, God will give it to you! Have you asked God to direct you and are you willing to take a risk and/or change course if he guides you down a different path?
3. They focus on the future.
We can all learn from past experiences. We can appreciate the good and have cry sessions about the bad. Mentally strong people reflect, work through and seek counsel on their decisions and their hardships but then move on. Let it go. Living in the past will not get you to your future. Maybe what you envisioned for your life is not your current reality. Maybe you took a detour from God’s original plan. Do you think God isn’t capable of giving you an even better plan B? He absolutely is!
Position yourself in a way to receive from God. Take responsibility, be willing to change and take risks and focus on your future!
Photo by Beth Carter Photography
On September 11, 2018 we hosted a group of girls just as we have dozens of times before, but one sweet girl in particular stood out. Maybe it was her big brown eyes, or the shy smile that told us she wasn’t quite sure why she was there, but she was open to knowing us and letting us love her and we were grateful. Her name was “C” and we had the sweetest time getting to know her and hearing her story. In the midst of helping her piece together outfits that reflected her individuality, but wouldn’t compromise opportunity, we were thankful for how quickly fashion opened the door to conversation. Sweet “C” talked and talked about the upcoming homecoming of a family member and how she wanted to find just the right dress for the occasion. As she tried on dress after dress, we couldn’t help but notice her bra was being held together by rubberbands. It stirred our hearts and we became burdened knowing that while we had lots of beautiful clothing items to bless her with, we have never made undergarments a part of our sessions. No one should have to wear thrifted underwear (and being a non-profit, we weren't sure how we could provide hundreds of bras, panties, and camisoles to every girl in our program). This sweet girl represented the many girls we serve who do not have proper fitting undergarments, and some have come in with none at all.
A little over a week later, we welcomed another group of girls for a Wearing Confidence Boutique Session and were surprised that “C” was there for a second time! This very rarely happens but because she happened to be enrolled in multiple programs that partner with us, we were getting to see her again! She was excited to be back and we were excited to see her! Building relationships is vital to what we do! As we helped “C” and her group find clothes, we noticed that she was wearing the same bra…with the same rubberbands. The burden to help our girls feel confident from undergarments to outer garments was growing…but how could we do it? We talked as a team and prayed about putting together a campaign to raise the funds needed to purchase bras and other undergarments for the girls we serve.
Around this time we began working with the Joy FM as Top Buttons and our Founder, Sarah Powers, were chosen to be featured as a Joy Story. We were excited that millions of people would have the opportunity to become aware of the needs in our community and hear practical ways they could help. We also knew that should we be asked if there was a specific “call to action”, it would be to help provide our sweet girls with new bras and underwear. Sure enough, the amazing Bill and Carmen (of the Morning Cruise) came to Top Buttons and after seeing what the Lord enables us to do, asked how they could help. We were all too excited to tell them about our need for brand new undergarments and Carmen immediately connected with our hearts on this mission. She came up with a clever campaign named “Carmen Needs Drawers” and we loved it!!!
Knowing the heart of her listeners, Carmen felt confident that meeting a goal to provide undergarments for every girl in our program could be accomplished….and she was right! By the time “The Morning Cruise with Dave, Bill and Carmen” wrapped up that day, the generous listeners of the JOY FM had done it!!! Girls in our programs would now not only leave feeling confident in the clothing people could see, but also in what people couldn’t see! Carmen got her drawers and our girls were getting them too!
In addition to the Joy FM’s campaign and the generous support of a local foundation, all remaining costs for additional undergarment needs within our Wearing Confidence Program in 2019 have been covered. More than 300 young women will have proper fitting bras, underwear, camisoles and other key clothing pieces by year end! As we continue to enroll more programs (which means serving more girls!) and add to our inventory of what we are able to provide to them, the need for additional space and proper storage has become a necessity. We are truly grateful for all who have supported our mission and who help us love on girls in our community.
Please know that I type all this with complete joy…but also with tears in my eyes. Why? Because at the beginning of February, we held our very first Wearing Confidence Session where we were to provide each girl with a set of undergarments. From meeting our sweet friend “C” and recognizing the extent of this need…to the timing of the JOY FM Joy Story and their listeners and our community being crazy generous, God met the need He had put in the heart of our team. And guess who “just happened” to be back in attendance for this particular Wearing Confidence Program session? The very FIRST session where we are offering complete sets of undergarments... you guessed it...our sweet friend “C”.
We are so grateful for what God has done and we are excited and expectant for what He will continue to do. After spending numerous weeks pricing and researching the best options for bras to purchase for our girls, we have chosen to partner with Soma Intimates. We are able to obtain excellent quality at discounted rates while buying in bulk! This company doesn’t hyper-sexualize through their marketing. Also, we need better sizing options than many companies provide and Soma specializes in larger size bras. Additionally, they have a sizing sports bra called SOMAINNOFIT™. It’s a sizing bra you can put on over your shirt or bra and it immediately sends the sizing info to an app which tells the correct size bra for you! It eliminates the guessing game and helps our girls feel comfortable with the process. Soma cares about the local community! We hope to soon be able to share some exciting news regarding our partnership with Soma which will greatly benefit the girls in our program long term…so stay tuned!
Top Buttons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable and educational organization building self-esteem through fashion in young women. Through our online platforms, educational events, clothing boutique, and program for teens in need, Top Buttons empowers young women with the resources they need to present their best self to the world without compromise.
Support our mission and receive a tax deduction by donating online.
236 N Kentucky Ave
Lakeland, Florida 33801
info@topbuttons.org
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