Young Women from Place of Hope Empowered with Confidence and Style
Young women from Place of Hope’s Villages of Hope program experienced an unforgettable day of empowerment and inspiration, thanks to an exclusive styling and shopping event hosted by Max Retail. The young women, who are part of the program supporting aged-out foster youth, young mothers, and other ambitious young adults facing homelessness, were treated to a unique opportunity to express their style, boost their confidence, and prepare to step confidently into the world.
Max Retail CEO and Co-founder Melodie van der Baan shared powerful insights with the young women, emphasizing a crucial message she wished for them to carry with them throughout their lives: “Remember that you are more valuable right now than you will ever be from anything you do or achieve.” This empowering truth was shared as part of a personal conversation with each young woman, creating an uplifting and encouraging environment.
Alongside Melodie, Angela, a former foster youth now working with Melodie’s team, shared her own transformative journey, offering valuable perspectives that deeply resonated with the girls.
During the event, Melodie and Angela took the time to sit individually with each participant, learning about their stories and sharing their own experiences, fostering connections and mutual support. Melodie remarked, “Today’s event has been truly heartwarming. Styling these young women, uplifting their spirits, and ensuring they feel their absolute best is a privilege and means the world to us.”
Rebekah Bentley, Director of Enrichment for Place of Hope, shared the significance of the event: “This is more than just a shopping spree. It’s a testament to how cherished these women are. Beyond that, it’s a practical resource, providing them with attire for interviews and jobs, underscoring their immense value.”
The Place of Hope Villages of Hope program provides transitional housing and support programs to aged out foster youth, young mothers, and ambitious but otherwise homeless young adults operates at several campuses across Palm Beach County.
Max Retail is a West Palm Beach based company and collaborates with retailers and brands to sell surplus inventory.
About Place of Hope:
“Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-licensed children and families organization focused on providing programs and services to end the cycles of abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty, and human trafficking. Since opening its doors in 2001 Place of Hope has helped more than 30,000 foster children, aged-out foster youth, homeless youth, single moms with children, and human trafficking survivors. It is one of the largest, most diverse, residential organizations in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Place of Hope is rated the number one charity in its category in America by Charity Navigator with a charity score of 100 and a 4-star rating.
