On this #GivingTuesday, we are offering something new: the chance to give a gift of one of our bags to a disadvantaged teen girl in the Bay Area for the holidays.
We met Kathryn from Life Learning Academy of San Francisco (LLA) at a Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator event last year, and were drawn to LLA's mission to offer teens who have hit the end of the road a new life through work and study. LLA's kids have been involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems; and / or have been kicked out, dropped out, bullied out or simply lost in traditional high school. A significant portion are homeless, almost half report gang involvement at enrollment, and more than half have been abused.
LLA offers a welcoming, non-violent environment based on personal accountability and commitment to non-violence. 90% of LLA's students graduate from high school, and all who graduate have a college or work placement. LLA's Workforce Development Program gives kids the skills they need to find and keep jobs, manage money, and build their own long-term financial independence. It is a lot like what we do with the Catrinka Girls Project in Guatemala, though with some different challenges.
According to Kathryn, "The holidays are a really tough time for our kids given the fact that for the most part they only receive the opportunity to celebrate at school. Every student receives a gift and is then asked to participate in a community service project to give back." The 30 girls in the program are big fans of Catrinka's and we would like to help them receive a gift for the holidays.
This is where you come in. We are offering a 50% discount on any products purchased for the girls of LLA. Per Kathryn, their favorites are:
Girl Rising Canvas Tote;
Maria Pouch;
Anita Crossbody Bag;
Lalita Keychain;
Neon Keychain;
Catrinka Friendship Bracelets.
If you would like to donate a gift, use code LLA50 and provide the following address for shipping: LLA, 651 8th St, San Francisco, CA 94130. Thank you!