Many people struggle from poverty, addiction, and homelessness, including women who many times do not have access to appropriate services, leaving them and their children with nowhere to go. To help provide for such women and their children, Powerhouse Ministries created its Women and Children’s Center to provide no-cost housing and recovery services in the Folsom area, ultimating building an empathetic and safe community. 

On March 17,the Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference Youth Board is hosting Pastries and Pastels – Paint to Empower Women & Children at the Folsom Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to bring attention to the struggles of local women and children who face poverty, homelessness, and other challenges. Proceeds from the event will support the Powerhouse Ministries Women and Children’s Center and the Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference Education Programs. 

Pastries and Pastels will provide a wonderful experience to bond and enjoy time with family in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Guests can expect to enjoy a beautiful snack table and pastries from local businesses, and the opportunity to paint their own tea cup to help them decompress and appreciate the little things in life, all while supporting a life-changing cause. The event is open to all, making it a perfect event for families. Tickets are available for purchase online for $25. 

The Hands4Hope Youth Board consists of 20 middle and high school youth who participate as leaders in one of Hands4Hope’s 14 on-campus Clubs or in its after-school Committees. In addition to driving the organization as a whole, the Youth Board selects a specific area of need to support. This year, the Hands4Hope Youth Board voted almost unanimously to support efforts related to women and children knowing that they are both often in need of additional services. After researching several organizations working in this area of need, the Youth Board voted to support Powerhouse Ministries Women and Children’s Center. 

“We hope to meet our fundraising goal of $10,000 through our enjoyable and memorable community event, and make a big difference in the ability of Powerhouse Ministries to provide for women and children in need,” says Youth Board President Mishti Shah, a senior at Oak Ridge High School. “Businesses and individuals can join us in helping women and their children find safety and support as they recover from addiction, homelessness, and abuse by sponsoring the event, attending the event, or by making a monetary donation.For more information please visit: www. hands4hopeyouth.org/pastriespastels 

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit, youth-driven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The nonprofit offers hands-on education and community engagement opportunities to youth from kindergarten through 12th grades through school-based and after-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426. 

Vikram Dev Singh is an Oak Ridge High School Senior, Hands4Hope Youth Board Representative