Dream Big was the theme of this year’s YoungMoms‘ brunch held at The Garage in Kennett Square.

 

The Garage filled with people, festive gift baskets and raffle items, beautifully set tables, and delicious food, all to support a group near and dear to my heart, YoungMoms. I have worked with this group since its earliest days in 2010, with Lisa McMain, the founder, a then graduate student; leading art projects primarily made possible by Leeway Foundation Art & Change Grants.  For our current project, we are creating a YoungMom Survival Guide; a binder full of art, parenting tips, life skills, and other helpful information that will serve as a resource, and a gift to young moms joining the program.

It was a heartwarming and fun afternoon catching up with my friend Paula, seeing many of the girls who were working hard serving up coffee and delicious food (including fabulous deserts created by Rosa Torres, an entrepreneurial YoungMom). There was a moving video presentation, and touching testimonials from some of the YoungMoms with their mentors. Some tears, and much laughter filled the room when José spoke about YoungDads, a new group recently created to support the YoungMoms. Endearing and moving, José spoke to all of us about the positive impact YoungMoms has had on his family.

I came away feeling honored to be a part of the wonderful work that Linda Mercner, the Executive Director, her growing staff and volunteers are doing to support these young women and their families.   I also came away grateful to be a part of the Kennett Square community. At a time when so much is written and said about the divisiveness in our country, here in Chester County, PA we continue to roll up our sleeves, share our resources and help each other.