Not every child hears “yes,” though. Hidden across Southwest Florida are children and teens who have been hearing “no”...
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — Older generations often characterize today’s youth as spoiled. After all, you don’t have to look far to see teens driving nice cars around town, making social media videos on their new iPhones and sporting designer-label threads. Many teens hear “yes” all the time.
Mom, can you buy me a new dress for homecoming, and maybe some jewelry, too?
Dad, can you give me $20 so I can go out to eat with my friends?
Not every child hears “yes,” though. Hidden across Southwest Florida are children and teens who have been hearing “no” their whole lives. No, you can’t buy new clothing. No, you can’t go to the movies. No, you can’t get a cellphone.
Many children who are abused, neglected or abandoned and living in foster homes or temporary shelters are hesitant to even ask the question; they know “yes” is not possible.
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, developed its Children’s Needs Program to say “yes” to vulnerable youth. Court-appointed volunteer child advocates can request funding for “extras” like birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets and registration fees for clubs and sports. It’s all about creating a sense of normalcy for children whose lives have been anything but normal.
Recently, the foundation developed the concept of a Yes Day. Through support from Macy’s, the foundations’ Board of Directors and private donors, the foundation would take a group of teens to Macy’s Coastland Center for a day of shopping the latest styles, walking the red carpet and exploring new looks through mini-makeovers. The plan was to register 25 youth for Yes Day, but those slots filled within 15 minutes. The foundation then opened 25 additional slots, and those filled in 40 minutes.
On May 20, a total of 58 teens had an opportunity to feel special at Yes Day. A Macy’s personal stylist accompanied them while shopping for shoes, dresses and jewelry. They had a cosmetologist choose complementary colors and apply makeup. They had opportunities to try on necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Yes Day provided those 58 teens with new clothing, shoes and accessories, but it also provided a huge emotional boost and raised the students’ sense of self-worth.
When teens browsed through clothing racks at Macy’s Coastland Center, they heard “yes” a lot. Yes, you can buy those jeans. Yes, you can have that purse. Yes, you can get those sneakers. Yes, you have worth.
Saying “yes” to a teen in foster care is not spoiling them. It’s showing you care for them, and that’s exactly what these children need in their lives.
Jessica Stanfield is Executive Director of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit. For more information, please visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.
