By Alina Darger
Imagine entering the public school system for the first time. You’ve been raised in a culture that has kept you distant from society, and you’re now entering a world that is new, unfamiliar, and intimidating. You’ve also been raised wearing clothing that separates you from the people around you, so you have to go into this new environment wearing a beacon that says “Hey, I’m different. Look at me.” Add to this the knowledge that your life has changed forever. The society you once knew has exiled you and your family. Each of you is struggling to integrate into a new life with rules and structures you don’t understand.
For school children, entering a new environment can be overwhelming. For children coming from a culture that’s actively created social and cultural barriers, the integration can be terrifying.
Cherish Families has partnered with the Assistance League of Southern Utah to raise funds to provide school clothes and supplies for children who have been separated from the FLDS community and are entering public school in August, many for the first time. These children have always worn the traditional clothing familiar to the FLDS community and are transitioning into a new life. This partnership and fundraiser is designed to empower these children in their new lives in a way that leaves them confident and cared for.
With your help, we will raise $7,500 to outfit 145 children with school clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Each of the children will go shopping with a mentor. They will learn skills of budgeting while choosing clothing that appeals to their person style for the first time in their life. All funds will go directly to outfitting the children. Additional funds will be kept for any new families in need. Cherish Families encourages everyone to get involved; small donations add up to make a big impact.
For more information about supporting our school clothes fundraiser or to sign up for Cherish Families updates or connect to our social networks and mailing list, visit cherishfamilies.org.
Cherish Families is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering families and children of underserved communities to create extraordinary lives.
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