A Message from the Director
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How often have you tuned out a speech at a fundraiser when the speaker gets to the part where she thanks the sponsors? Do you glaze over the pages of a program that list the sponsors?
I know that is what I
used
to do.
However, now that I run LEAP, I know first hand it is only because of the business community, foundations, and the beautiful hearts of people who run them that organizations supporting children, the environment, puppies ... and women in prison are able to do good things.
The most recent example for LEAP of something good that simply would not have happened without sponsors who care is the
Compassion Project.
If you haven't seen it, the installation is on display at the Coral Gables Museum until September 21st. The exhibit is an absolute must see. Thanks to the creative compassion of the photographers, and the brave vulnerability of the LEAP graduates featured, you will be moved -- guaranteed.
Take in the photos, the stories, the videos. But don't stop there.
Be sure to notice the list of major sponsors on the wall as you enter the exhibit. Enjoy the beautiful programs, and try not to skip over the full list of donors. Check out the LEAP supporters listed at the end of this newsletter and on our website. Not only do these businesses, individuals and foundations support LEAP, they are doing good for dozens of other non profits in our community.
We at LEAP thank them from the bottom of our heart.
You can thank them too. Send a note. Tag them on social media. Patronize their businesses. Pay attention the next time you hear or read about those generous people who give so that groups like LEAP can continue to serve our community.
With compassion, love and gratitude,
Mahlia
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We are celebrating 10 years of empowering women to put prison in the past. Join us for an evening featuring art, songs, and stories of compassion! Sip cocktails while browsing our silent auction items and then celebrate with us during our special cake-cutting ceremony!
We need items donated for our silent auction, and sponsorships are still available. Contact
[email protected]
for further information.
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Victoria
was released at the beginning of the June! She lives at the LEAP house and is working at our Dragonfly Thrift Boutique. Victoria has already served as a LEAP ambassador at two events. On her free time, Victoria explores Miami on her new bike.
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Glennis, aka "Cha Cha"
was released toward the end of June. She loves living at the LEAP house and working at the Dragonfly Thrift Boutique. After just a couple weeks, Cha Cha fits right in -- with her strong work ethic and as our only bilingual sales associate, she is a huge asset.
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Much of the amazing merchandise you see at LEAP's Dragonfly Thrift Boutique is thanks to the generosity of estate liquidators Barbara and Louis of
One White Orchid
. Then there are our moving fairies, Yvette (who does double duty as LEAP board president,) Richard (who does double duty as Yvette's significant other and night time jazz trumpeter) and Karma (retired engineer who doesn't seem to know the meaning of a relaxed retirement.) These three come in to curate, clean, pack and move the treasures donated by One White Orchid and others. It's hard work, but they make it seem fun.
We could use some extra helping hands on our moves. Call Dragonfly manager, Aelana, at 833-757-5327 if you'd like to join the party.
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Dragonfly Thrift Boutique
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If you know Dragonfly you know it's a whole new store every time you walk in! We put out new items almost everyday, made possible because of YOU - our wonderful donors!
A fun and easy way to support Dragonfly is to get a group of friends together for a donation drive at the store. Maybe a breakfast or cocktail hour? Whatever you have in mind, we are happy to host.
REMEMBER
Every Saturday is 25% off the entire store. But beware, some of our nicest items are gone before the weekend!
Follow us on Instagram to keep up with our latest merchandise,
and be sure to take a photo and tag us when you come in.
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DRAGONFLY THRIFT BOUTIQUE
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LEAP 2nd Annual Law Symposium
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Ethical and Practical Considerations for the Legal Profession
Saturday, September 14, 2019
8:30AM to 2:15PM
This intermediate workshop will include talks by Judge Steve Leifman and Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and will help legal professionals to address ethical and practical considerations in a changing world. By better understanding the role of health and illness in American society, this workshop will shed light on health, mental illness, substance abuse and dependence disorders to allow lawyers to advance professional behaviors and advance professional responsibility. Florida Bar approval pending for five continuing legal education professional responsibility credits. Call or email Laurie at 833-757-5327 or
[email protected]
if interested.
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The Compassion Project
is a
photography project which aims to upend the preconceptions our society has about incarcerated women. Who are they? How did they become incarcerated? Who and what have they left behind? What is possible for them now?
The show features LEAP graduates, and debuted at the Coral Gables Museum
June 7, 2019
to a full house and rave reviews. Be sure to visit and check out our calendar for a list of special Compassion Project related events at the
Coral Gables Museum.
Also, check out
this interview
about the project of LEAP volunteer and project curator, Starr Sariego.
The show features an audio component which provides a more intimate experience of the narratives, which you can experience with the free APP
called The Compassion Project Miami
.
If you are as moved by the Compassion Project as we think that you will be, please consider donating at the kiosk, which is located in the exhibit gallery.
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Volunteer Information Nights are held the second Thursday of every month! Join us to learn more about LEAP and how you can volunteer to help out the ladies of LEAP.
The next Volunteer and Ambassador Information Night will be held on
Thursday, July 11 @ 6:00 PM
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Engage With Us on Social Media
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LADIES EMPOWERMENT AND ACTION PROGRAM
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DRAGONFLY THRIFT BOUTIQUE
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Thank-you to Our Generous Supporters!
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Over the past 10 years working with women in prison, we at LEAP have learned that if given tools to succeed, most will remain crime free.
Thanks to the support of our community, over the past 2 years LEAP has expanded from an in-prison program, to one that includes transitional housing, employment and other support post release.
LEAP is 100% dependent on the generosity of our community. Please consider donating today.
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Ladies Empowerment and Action Program | Dragonfly Thrift Boutique | (833) 757 - 5327 | [email protected] | www.leapforladies.org
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