Hattitudes

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Alexis Currie, Miss Costal Bend USA 2003, and I wanted to help ordinary young children facing extraordinary circumstances. So we instituted a program called "Hattitudes". Unfortunately we live in a society where it's philosophy in life is "appearance matters". It's hard being a young child, but being a young boy or girl with cancer and without hair can be truly traumatic. Now "Hattitudes" offers free, new soft hats and self-esteem boosting brochures to children undergoing chemotherapy. Since the program was launched in January 2001, the hats have come in - from churches, schools, businesses and individuals. But we still need your help! Our goal is to collect ten thousand hats from all over America and we need your support for this goal to be successful. Each day 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. Ninety one percent of these children undergo chemotherapy treatment. These children endure so many battles and are already emotionally devastated by a cancer diagnosis. Help them fight and win their self-confidence and self-esteem back. Click here to see Mayor Lee Brown's proclamation designating December 15 as "Hattitudes Day".

     

The above photos were taken of Jenny on her “day of beauty.” That morning I gave Jenny a free makeover, lesson and makeup. We went to buy her a fabulous new wig and then I surprised her with a visit to Ladd Photography. There she had a free photo session donated by Paul and Carrie Ladd.

JENNY’S HOPE
By Sheila Bantz

Jenny had discovered a tumor in her right breast. When she felt around there was no doubt in her mind that there was a lump, and I think she knew right away this must be breast cancer. A biopsy confirmed the tumor was cancer. Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer in spring of 2003. The lump she found was the size of a small plum.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you go through a myriad of feelings, am I going to live, how long will I live, how bad is it and the list goes on and on. Many women like Jenny are victims of breast cancer and we are too, not literally, but we are also victims. When a family member is diagnosed it becomes lifelike. The truth is that it does happen to anyone! Our aunts, mothers, children and grandparents.

I was so empowered by Jenny’s courage that I learned a lot about myself! I learned that different things get us through the “experience.” For Jenny, it’s finding something funny about every experience and running with that. She still laughs, plays with her grandbaby Skylar and works full time. She tries to stay busy, to not agonize about the disease. I believe her best advice is to always keep smiling. Breast Cancer has invaded Jenny’s body, but it has not invaded her spirit. What has happened to Jenny and many women is truly horrible. But we have a choice. We can live the rest of our lives as a memorial service around the event or we can learn from it and build an even better life.

IF YOU LOVE YOUR MOTHER, WIFE, SISTER OR FRIEND, INSIST (EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DRAG THEM) ON THEIR YEARLY MAMMOGRAMS AND GO TO YOUR NEAREST IMAGING FACILITY!!

       
Tiaras and Top Hats
Tiara and Top Hat will provide sick children with a fun, unforgettable party experience! They will be treated like Queens and Kings. Children will receive toys, coloring books, stickers, costumes, face painting, and to top it off tiaras and makeovers for the girls and top hats and games for the boys. This was developed to raise the self-confidence and self-esteem of sick children. Local titleholders, make-up artists, and children entertainers will be invited to attend the party and volunteer their time and talents. We believe that positive attention can improve the physical condition of those with illnesses-including cancer. Family members will also benefit from the party. Mothers can see their children enjoy their childhood and have a great time. We will also like to include the siblings of the patients. Many times, siblings can be overlooked while the family tends to the needs of the sick child. Tiara and Top Hats will provide a time where patients will forget about illnesses and create memories to sustain them through these hard times.  For donations of party supplies, hats or tiaras contact: imageconsulting@airmail.net

   
W.O.W. - Women Off Welfare
Uniting the Power of Resources with the Vision of Women
The welfare law of 1996 has enabled millions of Americans to build better lives -- better lives for themselves and better lives for their families. President Bush called on Congress to enact his welfare reform agenda to strengthen families and help more welfare recipient’s work toward independence and self-reliance. A strong country is based on strong families. Meaningful work is the key to helping families lift themselves out of poverty. It is the key to success for improving the lives of our nation’s children. Everyone has potential. Everyone has worth. Everyone has a valuable gift to offer the community. The mission of W.O.W. is to help women on welfare realize their own potential and discover their unique gifts.

The Women Off Welfare Foundation, W.O.W., is a non-profit organization founded by Sheila Bantz to respond to issues experienced by women on welfare and to create a permanent financial resource for these women. With education and support, we identify and fund creative solutions to address the economic challenges and discrimination that women on welfare face. W.O.W. reflects the spirit of giving all year long, providing free makeovers, professional haircuts, makeup lessons, and interview skills training to bring out the inner beauty of women aspiring to move from welfare to work. 

W.O.W.’s mission is to assist women have chosen to take the journey from welfare to economic self-sufficiency in private sector employment. Women are referred to W.O.W. after they have successfully completed a job-training program and are ready to begin interviewing for employment. Once they are referred to the program and become "W.O.W. clients" they are forever a part of our family. The program includes interview skills, personal grooming, expanded educational opportunities, and other efforts to empower women on welfare. W.O.W. takes great pride in supporting these women and in celebrating their accomplishments with them.

We assist women from all walks of life who come to us with a variety of life experiences. Some clients have been on welfare for six months, while others have been away from the workforce for five, ten, or fifteen years. Many of the women are entering the workforce for the first time after staying at home to care for young children.

"We help them to feel confident,” says Ms. Bantz. "If they look confident and feel good about their interview skills, then they will project that feeling of confidence in the interview and on the job."
“We're the extra push they need into the workforce. They've graduated from job training and are ready to make a positive contribution to their own economic stability. I talk with them about personal presentation, interview skills, and work habits such as the importance of being on time. Someone else can teach you computer skills, but if you don't look professional, it will be difficult to get the job. It's really about helping them understand employer's expectations and giving them the skills and resources to meet those expectations. It is truly an honor to partner with these women and support them during this important transition.”

“It means a lot to me to see the reactions of their families and friends. According to one of our clients she went home and everyone stopped and starred. They couldn’t believe the change. Now all her friends want a W.O.W. make-over too.”

W.O.W. Advises 
The W.O.W. Foundation is a grassroots organization. We are a resource for Texas women on welfare who wish to enter or re-enter the workforce. Through on-site consultations and training workshops we help women project a professional image, develop interview skills, and learn employer expectations. W.O.W. is a supplement to Welfare and other charitable organizations that provide meaningful support to women and their families on a day-to-day basis.

W.O.W. Mission
We partner with organizations and programs that offer programs the following support to women on welfare: 
· Empowering women to take charge of their destiny through knowledge
· Leadership development 
· Personal self sufficiency 
· Shaping their lives, their dreams and their communities
· Employment and economic development
· Generate economic power and independence for women
Statistics:
· Number of Women on Welfare:
  ~~ 4 million white
  ~~ 650,000 black
  ~~ 92,000 Hispanic
  ~~ 50,000 Arab-American
  ~~ 60,000 Asian –American
  ~~ 25,000 Native American 
· Percentage of Women in the Workforce: 56%
· Number who work in low paying jobs: Nearly two-thirds 
· Percentage of businesses owned by women: 36%
· Number of single mothers with custody of children: 300,000 
· Percentage who receive no child support: 60%
· Number of Women in Prison: 1,405 

Volunteering
Are volunteers important to W.O.W.?
Volunteers are the life of the W.O.W. organization. We rely on the generosity of hundreds of individuals who give back to society by donating their time, talent, and creativity. Without volunteers, W.O.W. we would not be able to touch the lives of hundreds of women each year. 

What types of volunteer opportunities are available with W.O.W.?
Our core group of volunteers includes hair stylists, make-up artists, and salon owners. Additionally we need salon coordinators and administrative support.

Do you have to be a professional hairstylist or make-up artist?
Yes, due to state regulations only licensed and professional practitioners can participate in client makeovers.

How can you help if you are a salon owner?
As a salon owner, you can donate your facilities to W.O.W. once a month. We will bring volunteers to provide the services and the product used for the makeovers. The only thing you need to provide is the use of styling stations, hairdryers, and sinks.

Who else volunteers for W.O.W.?
Salon Coordinators are also vital to the W.O.W. organization. These individuals help coordinate the entire day by checking in clients, taking before and after photos, ordering lunch, assisting the hair stylists and make-up artists, passing out handouts, and organizing each client's product to take home. A friendly attitude, the ability to organize schedules, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities are all that is required for this volunteer position. 

Are there any other ways to volunteer with W.O.W.?
Yes. We will occasionally have a need for individuals with administrative skills or event coordinating experience. Please send us your name and we will happily contact you when these skills are needed.

Where do I need to live to volunteer?
Currently, we have a need for hair stylists, make-up artists, salon owners, and salon coordinators who live in or around Houston, Texas. 

How do I become a W.O.W. volunteer?
Please e-mail imageconsulting@airmail.net or call Sheila Bantz at 281-935-7000.

There are many ways to join W.O.W.’ s efforts: 
Make a Contribution
Any contribution you could make would be greatly appreciated. Your donation will enable W.O.W. to expand our services to even more clients as they make the difficult transition from welfare to work. Please send checks (payable to "W.O.W.") and product donations to: 
W.O.W.
Attn: Sheila Bantz
P.O. Box 440416
Houston, TX. 77244-0416 
W.O.W. accepts the following product donations with appreciation: new or gently used interview appropriate accessory items, including handbags, jewelry, shoes, and scarves, as well as new beauty products that have not been used or opened. Please note that we are unable to accept casual accessory items that our clients cannot wear to a job interview or clothing. Interview appropriate clothing can be sent to W.O.W., Attn: Sheila Bantz, P.O. Box 440416, Houston, TX. 77244-0416 . 
On behalf of the W.O.W. clients, staff, and volunteers, we thank you in advance for your support. 

Become a Volunteer
Committed volunteers are the heart and soul of W.O.W. Our team of hair stylists, make-up artists and salon volunteers donate their time to help our clients enhance their self-esteem and move successfully from welfare to work. 
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Sheila Bantz at imageconsulting@airmail.net 

Organize an Accessory Drive
W.O.W. strives to provide all of our clients with handbags, shoes, jewelry, and scarves to accessorize their business attire. An Accessory Drive can help insure that we always have new or gently used accessory products on hand.
If you would like to organize an Accessory Drive at your company or an Accessory Drive Party in your home, we would like to hear from you. This is a fun and easy way to make a big difference in someone's life. Please e-mail Sheila Bantz at imageconsulting@airmail.net with your name, address, and phone number and information about organizing an accessory drive will be sent to you. 

"The welfare law is a success because it puts government on the side of personal responsibility, and it has helped people change their life for the better -- helped people realize their dreams; helped people help themselves.”
President George W. Bush, 1/14/03 

Chains of Hope
Necklaces for Breast/Ovarian Cancer Research

Pajama Party - Miss Latin Image Pageant
On the evening of Friday, March 7 the delegates met in the Pageant suit for a pizza and pajama party. Special guest Sheila Bantz spoke to the girls make-up, interview pointers, hair and just about everything else that the delegates wanted to know.