HipPurse LLC & The Children’s Home is Looking for
Women of Substance

“Advocates for a Healthy Mind, Body & Soul”

Cromwell, CT – HipPurse LLC and The Children’s Home (TCH) in Cromwell CT, join forces to form a group of prominent women called “The Women Advocates for Youth (The WAY).” Their mission is to empower young girls to believe in their own self-worth.

The initial founders meeting will take place on May 22, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. at the Children’s Home. There will be a gourmet luncheon prepared by the children at the home for all attendees. Personal invitations have been extended to a group of influential women whom they believe will become the backbone for this group. 

In the spring of 2007, Miss Connecticut, Heidi Voight, spoke at the annual Spring Banquet at TCH.  She emphasized how young women need other women as role models and heroes for girls, instead of the media-made heroes like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, etc.  At the conclusion of her reign, Heidi encouraged TCH to move forward with the notion, “Women of Substance”…and so they did.

IIronically and almost by fate, the HipPurse Company (which was already donating to THC) offered to work with TCH to create awareness around the issues of self-worth and the importance of protecting one’s body.  At that time, the four sisters were already committed to making their Hands-Off empowering messages viral. The Hands-Off Collection was established for young girls to have fun with fashion, while at the same time, conveying a positive message of self-love.

Cindy Bartholomew, Director of Development at The Home states, “There is a small window of time to reach these children in The Home before they are returned to their community. We need to make sure they are properly educated, emotionally nurtured and feel cared about. The group will essentially be helping to influence and expose these young women to positive alternatives and healthy choices. Their life experiences and skills will influence and serve as role models and mentors to these young women.”

Furthermore, Ladene Paulino, President of HipPurse LLC adds, “We have hopes of expanding our services to all young women throughout the community, and not just at The Home.   Once the group becomes a success, we believe it will be a platform for many others to replicate throughout the nation.”

Kenya D’Agustino, Vice President of HipPurse LLC, is on a personal mission to write a series of Mind, Body & Soul Workshops called Kenergy Kids.  The workshops will cover positive thinking, self worth, healthy eating, and many more pertinent topics.  Members from within The WAY group have committed to join in on the project and offer their expertise. Several of these workshops can then be shared with the residents at the Children’s Home. D’Agustino explains, “I believe these workshops are absolutely imperative to our children today, especially with all of the bullying, peer pressure and school violence that children are exposed to. These types of classes are just as important as history, math or science because they are lifestyle teachings that will be ingrained and impact the decision making process for these young women. Educating our children year after year with positive, informational, self-love messages can save them from falling victim to many forms of abuse. We have the goal of giving our children the greatest gift of all – The tools to value (love) oneself, to then value (love) others!”

The group is still looking for many more concerned, caring women that are willing to offer their skills and experiences for future activities.  For more information on how to join this mission, please contact Kathy Smith Hallett, Director of Marketing at TCH, at 860.635.6010 x334 or Kenya D’Agustino, 877.234.3747 x704.