She’s EmPOWERed: Maryland Teen Inspires Youth to Serve with Small Things Matter Organization

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

For as long as she can remember, Lana Anderson has been involved in her community. As a preschooler, she would make crafts for children as part of the National Institute of Health’s Thoughtful Treasures program. And as a middle school student, she was an active member of her school’s Difference Makers service club.

Those experiences fueled her passion for giving back. And now at 18, she continues to serve and encourage others through her nonprofit, Small Things Matter (STM).

“I started Small Things Matter as a way to empower younger children to serve and create lifelong habits of giving back,” said Lana, who is currently studying biology at the University of Maryland. “Our motto is kid-powered kindness for those in need.”

Small Things Make a Big Difference

Small Things Matter hosts several events and initiatives under three programs: a food distribution program, a literacy program and a crafting for charity program.

Through its food distribution program, STM provides nutritious grocery items to over 1,000 local families each month, totaling about 1 million pounds of food each year. “These fresh produce, dairy and nonperishable items allow families to feed their children healthy, delicious, high-quality meals,” Lana noted.

The Books for Bedtime literacy program provides new books to underserved children and their families in an effort to build a strong educational foundation.

Crafting for Charity gives children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to share their talents with those in need at children’s hospitals, shelters, etc.

Through these projects, STM hopes to nourish children’s bodies, minds and spirits and motivate youth of all ages to give back.

Lana’s work with Small Things Matter has been recognized by numerous government agencies as well as national organizations and businesses.

Thank you, Lana, for all you do to help improve the quality of life for others while being a positive role model for youth!

To learn more about Small Things Matter, visit www.smallthingsmatter.org.

Follow Small Things Matter on Facebook.

Youth Power Panel, Generational Givers highlight of 2022 Be the Impact Summit

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl’s 2022 Be the Impact Summit welcomed youth and adult participants from the US, Canada and the UK on Saturday, October 8. The virtual event showcased young changemakers and social entrepreneurs as well as provided resources for those aspiring to make a difference in their communities. 

The summit kicked off with a video presentation featuring the Generational Givers – youth enrolled in Take My Hand’s community outreach and volunteer program. 

Four young social entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders – from Washington and Texas to Georgia – shared their impact stories and offered tips to the audience on how to get started in service as well as how to find resources to support your endeavors. 

Rasheda Kamaria Williams, chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl, hosted the event and facilitated the “Passion. Purpose. Profession” workshop and discussion which offered tips for youth to be strategic about their community service. Tia Russell, founder of Detroit-based nonprofit Take My Hand, joined the conversation highlighting her organization’s Generational Givers program. 

Participants also learned about the numerous funding, fellowship and recognition opportunities available through Youth Service America. Nikki Liles, YSA director of partnerships, shared information about programs like the Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants and the Everyday Young Hero Awards. 

The event concluded with the Impact Ideas and She’s EmPOWERed alumni giveaways. Esha Aggarwal of Illinois and Cassidy Conley of Michigan were selected to each receive a $250 e-gift card. 

The 2022 Be the Impact Summit was sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. Empowered Flower Girl was one of three Detroit-area organizations/social enterprises to receive a Social Impact Grant from the Consulate in June. The event was produced by coordinating sponsor Foundation Management LLC. 

VIEW SUMMIT RECORDING:

https://youtu.be/rIL5FTzvLuM