I Like A Woman's Purse

Electric Pink Ostrich Michael Kors tote with leopard scarf;
Donated by MJ Duffy in loving memory of husband Tom Roth

It’s not what you’re thinking.

I’m not saying that I want to own, or enjoy carrying, a woman’s purse. Although, I am comfortable enough in my own masculinity to sport a Clutch, Handbag, etc., should the need arise.

In this post, I will explain why I worked A Woman’s Purse.



Mary Frances evening bag;
Donated by Mary Grimes

As some of you may know…and after reading this, all of you will know…I work for Adams County Children & Youth Services (ACCYS). The mission of the agency is to Ensure that each child in Adams County has a safe and permanent home. With all the services available to us, we try to help families stay together. However, there are those occasions when we cannot achieve our mission in the child’s original home.

Bermuda's Carol Holding
Satin Flower evening bag with
Stella & Dot beaded necklace & earring set;
Bag donated by Nancy Cook
Jewelry donated by: Stephanie Legore

Therefore, children are removed from their homes, which is one of the crappiest parts of my job. We do attempt to find other family/resources that can help care for the child, however…ultimately…there are times when children have to be placed in foster care or other placement options.

Red patent leather Kate Spade handbag;
Donated by CenturyLink

Especially when the children are older, 16 and above, the Agency tries to help the young adult gain the skills he/she will need to live independently. This is something that many of us, who have grown up in very supportive and encouraging homes, can take for granted. When living in a supportive home, we gain information about how to prepare meals, shop, pay bills, budget money, prepare for college, do simple home/auto repairs, and advocate for ourselves.

Leasia
The current ACCYS IL Program Specialist

At ACCYS we have a team that focuses on Independent Living Services. They run groups, teachings, workshops, outings…all to help those young adults, 16 and older and in foster care, learn how to live independently once they finally leave care. There is so much that can be said about this program that I can’t do justice to in this post. If you would like information on this program, or would like to find out how to access similar services in your own County/State, I’m sure our Independent Living (IL) Program Specialist, or one of the Transition Caseworkers, will be more than willing to help you.

Sheena
IL Services Transition Caseworker

Teresa
IL Services Transition Caseworker

The Agency's number is 717-337-0110; simply tell them you would like to get more info on Independent Living services.

Steve is the Social Service Aid who works with the IL youth as well, but he was unavailable for a photo, so he gets this sentance in honor of his hard work.



Board Members of the
United Way of Adams County

The IL Program coordinates with other service providers and resources in our area, in order to help meet the vast needs of the young adults who eventually leave care. One of those resources is the United Way of Adams County. 

Ostrich print "designer inspired" Prada handbag;
Donated by Anonymous

Through this partnership, the United Way has been holding a fundraiser, A Woman’s Purse, in order to raise money specifically for teens who are trying to move on to Independence.



Black and white candy wrapper bag by  Nahui Ollin;
Donated by A Woman's Purse

The fundraiser is a purse auction. There are purses of all shapes, sizes, styles, colors…that are donated to the event and can then be obtained through several different sections of the auction.


Cream hobo by Michael Koors;
Donated by Brian Kennel,
in loving memory of Nancy Lynn Fresch.

I was approached two years ago, in order to help out with this event. Through the collaboration of the IL Program and A Woman’s Purse, they chose a few girls, from the program, to assist with certain aspects of the event. In exchange, the girls are taken to get their hair and makeup done, professionally, and they are taken to shop for a new outfit and accessories (shoes, earrings, necklaces…). As a memento of the event, the girls are also treated to a photo shoot and several prints.

Having worked in this field since 2002, and seeing the amazing things that the program does for these young adults, I couldn’t help but donate my time to invest in this worthy event. Out of respect for the young women who participated in the event, and their right to privacy, I am not sharing any of their photos in this post; however, some of the key people associated with the event did give me permission to share their photos.

Kathy Nelson
President of United Way of Adams County

According to Kathy Nelson (President of the United Way of Adams County), there were 250 women in attendance this year. They had 46 live-auction purses, 71 silent-auction purses, 17 fishbowl purses, 8 door prize purses, and 1 diamond necklace. Each of the items went for more that its retail price, and some by 3 times the amount.

This event started 5 years ago and raised $5,000. This year, they were able to raise $18,000.

I encourage you to find some event, program, service…whatever…in your own area, in which you can invest in, to help someone less fortunate than yourself.