Recently I had the privilege of producing a fashion show for
the women of Catherine’s Center, a local residential living center for women
who have previously been incarcerated. CC is one of the restorative Justice
programs under the St . Vincent de Paul Society of San Mateo County, and is
funded solely by SVDP and private donors.
I happened upon the center through a friend who was doing volunteer
work there. As soon as I met the Program Director, I knew. I knew that what
they were doing was transformative work. I knew that I wanted to spend time
with these women. I knew that is was time for me to give back for all the
blessings that I have received. I knew
that what I had learned over my life, through my Creativity Coaching
Certification, Angelic Reiki Certification and plain old life lessons, would
add value to their lives.
What I didn’t know, was how working with these women would
help me assess my own journey of transformation. What I didn’t know, was that
these women are just like you and me except for their life circumstances. What
I didn’t know was how powerful this would be for their journey. I have not walked the walk they have, but
this was one more walk in their transformational journey in life. They have
souls and hearts, they are caring, concerned, frightened, excited, scared,
delighted human beings. I was able to
witness a myriad of their emotions through the time spent with them as we
fitted them in their outfits from St. Vincent DePaul stores. As we rehearsed, I
witnessed raw, real emotions. Emotions that anyone would have when faced with
the prospect of walking a runway, a new experience for most. Nervousness,
anxiety, fear of wearing something they hated, fear of tripping, and fear of
looking foolish. Did they all love their outfits? No, but did they all end up wearing
them? YES.
I have produced hundreds of fashion shows over the past 25
years. I have worked with professional and student models, moms and dads,
breast cancer survivors– many reticent - but all rocked the runway with grace.
I have heard complaints about clothes and music (hey, we all have our own
opinion, and that’s totally fine!). I have loved every single show that I
worked on. AND, I believe that everyone who was ever in one of these shows
experienced a little transformation as well. Nothing can beat the feeling of
love and warmth from the audience as they clap for friends, relatives and those
they didn’t know. It takes a lot to step
out in front of hundreds of people and do something you have never done before.
I have been proud of all of my models.
However, I was particularly proud of the women of Catherine’s
Center, for their authenticity, and for their willingness to literally take a
step outside of the box. I saw genuine smiles as they brilliantly walked the
runway. There were no complaints about the very lively and “pop” style songs
that I selected. They grooved and moved and the audience clapped along with the
music. Yes, I used “Happy” -that overplayed but delightfully upbeat song that
puts everyone in a good mood. They also jived to Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out”
and “Light up the World” - the Glee
original song. These women owned the runway.
I am continuing my work with the women at the center. The
Program Director said they could never thank me enough. But they have. The hugs
from the women, and the declarations that they want me as their mentor. Well,
what do you think? I am still living a
blessed life, and the women are shining their inner light a little brighter.
That sounds incredible. Wish I could have been there! Hugs to you!
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