What is BOOST?
BOOST is a monthly club providing books, projects, toys and interactive activities to Black girls in need of support (ages 7 to 10). We provide creativity, community and empowerment to counter racism, poverty, addiction and other adversity. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in Black girls’ lives – for themselves and for the key they hold to our better future. BOOST is a program boosting Black girl love in every way: Our love for them and their love for themselves, for each other and the world.
How does BOOST work?
- MONTHLY GIFT PACKAGE. The pilot project empowers 3 Black girls living in Wilmington and Baltimore, sending them a monthly gift package rotating through (1) an inspiring book, (2) a creative project or (3) a fun toy. At the end of one year, the group will graduate and help launch another circle of girls.
- MONTHLY ACTIVITY. The girls will receive a monthly fun or introspective activity to inspire their creativity, self-understanding, compassion and confidence.
- LETTER WRITING & ZOOM. The girls will write letters to each other (like pen pals) and receive letters from our community of Boosters (see below). They will share artwork, stories and insights learned. Founders Lisa and Michelle will also have a group Zoom call at the end of every month, face-to-face, heart-to-heart. Privacy for all is maintained by using first names only and channeling all communications through BOOST staff.
Become a Booster!
A Booster is like a sponsor, only our model is community-based, not one-to-one. For example, a letter or story from a Booster will be shared with all the girls. Through the sharing of letters, artwork and stories, Boosters and Black girls will enlighten one another in heartfelt ways that transform the girls’ lives and our world, too.
As a Booster, you can support Black girls in several different ways:
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- Donate money to our upcoming GoFundMe campaign. Currently, we are starting with a generous $1,000 seed donation from an anonymous source.
- Write letters and share stories of hope and inspiration (shared with all the girls, first-name basis only, all communications channeled through BOOST staff).
- Promote BOOST in your own network of friends, family and colleagues. Simply copy the address of this webpage and share via social media, email and word-of-mouth.
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- To join us, click on the blue button above and provide your name and email address. We welcome letter-and-story writers, donors, promoters, parents, girls, social workers, teachers and anyone interested in supporting the beauty and power of Black girls.
Our Guiding Principles
- Center the needs of Black and Brown girls
- Get guidance from Black women
- Welcome support from everyone
Supporting Black Businesses and Artists
BOOST will do its best to source and buy items that are: (1) Black-character rich and (2) sold by Black-owned businesses and Black artists. As part of the welcome package, each girl will get a beautiful journal from Black-owned The Trini Gee.
Our Story – How BOOST Was Born
Lisa and Michelle were Facebook friends, but had never met. One day, Lisa made a heartfelt Facebook post sharing her grief over the hardship facing so many, especially Black and Brown people. In response, Michelle made a simple offer to help. Michelle had no idea Lisa was a social worker helping children. Lisa had no idea Michelle was a project creator. They both took a chance. And together, BOOST was born.
“I’m a strong person. However, I’m almost at a breaking point. It’s not from my personal pain but rather from the pain and burdens carried by people around me, people I love. I’ve witnessed moms losing their kids most brutally; COVID killing young, vibrant people; race-based killings of unarmed people. I’m hearing stories of young people struggling with depression and anxiety. My inbox, daily, is filled with requests for people in pain seeking services to find relief. The intersections of pain for Black and Brown people are burdensome. The direct and vicarious strife is hard, y’all. It’s been a rough season.” — Lisa Savage, Facebook post, April 2021
“Hi Lisa. Saw your post. I’d like to uplift you and a group of children you know who could use the boost of love, support and inspiration. I’d like to create (with you) a gift package of books, journals, colored pencils, dolls, etc. Would that interest you?”
— Michelle Belfie, private Facebook message to Lisa Savage, April 2021
About the Founders
- Lisa Savage is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of the Center for Child Development and the Delaware Center for Counseling & Wellness.
- Michelle Belfie is a social entrepreneur and founder of movingStories LLC and PeoplePowerHub, bringing people together and inspiring citizen action.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you! Send us your ideas, feedback and love. Select topic “BOOST Black Girl Love” and share with us.
Copyright © 2022 movingStories LLC. All rights reserved.
Be brave in your journey! Hold your head up high and keep moving forward. — Stephanie Lahart (author, poet and youth motivational speaker)
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. — Audrey Hepburn (actress and humanitarian)