Hope in a Suitcase

Children who have experienced violence or neglect often enter foster care with nothing but the clothes on their backs or carrying a few belongings in a trash bag. Hope in a Suitcase (“HIAS”) provides new essentials to make their transition and their circumstances easier and more dignified.

With support from Visionary Women HIAS hosted a spring “Self-Care Saturday”, where teens girls living in group homes attended a skills workshop and selected prom, graduation, and interview attire. At their May (free of charge) “Shopping Day”, HIAS outfitted more tween and teen girls than at any previous event. HIAS also is purchasing new clothing, shoes and hygiene items for girls who will be heading back to school in August.

  • Upward Bound House

    Visionary Women’s grant has enabled Bright Futures to expand its support for pregnant and parenting youth, opening a third maternity group home, helping families secure permanent housing, and graduating the first class from their revamped life skills program.

  • Write Girl

    Visionary Women’s grant has helped WriteGirl support 400 BIPOC teen girls and young adults from underserved Los Angeles communities through creative writing workshops, mentoring, and public readings, leading to prestigious awards and college enrollments.

  • Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood

    Visionary Women’s grant has helped 114 girls in the Girls Empowerment program excel in robotics, explore careers in film, and gain insights from industry professionals