Explore how our innovative boutique program uses fashion as a tool to empower young women, boosting their confidence, and nurturing their self-worth on their journey of personal growth.
Read MoreDiscover the impact of fashion and personal style as a means of self-expression and confidence-building in young women, empowering them to embrace their individuality and foster their self-worth.
Read MoreUncover the essential elements to nurture and foster self-esteem in young women, empowering them to embrace their unique talents, develop confidence, and strive for personal growth and success.
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team makes historic debut as First Polk County Representatives in the “World’s toughest bicycling race.”
Polk County, January, 11, 2024 — The “Gears for Good” Race Across America all-female cycling team is set to make history as the inaugural representatives from Polk County in the renowned Race Across America (RAAM) and it’s to support local nonprofit, Top Buttons. For over four decades, RAAM has stood as an unparalleled test of ultra-cyclists' physical endurance and mental fortitude on a journey spanning more than 3,000 miles and 12 states, from Oceanside, California, to the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, this epic challenge must be completed within 8 days, during which the Top Buttons RAAM Team will race a staggering 3,000 miles and ascend 175,000 feet in elevation.
The “Gears for Good” RAAM Team is not merely pursuing this extraordinary feat for sport; they are riding with a mission to spotlight the needs of young women facing at-risk and vulnerable situations. Top Buttons, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building self-worth in young women through mentorship, education, and fashion, aims to empower these individuals with essential resources for their journey to be transformed.
ABOUT TOP BUTTONS
Founded on the principles of mentorship, education, and fashion, Top Buttons operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to instilling self-worth in young women. With a focus on mentorship programs, life skills education, and the provision of hygiene and clothing resources, Top Buttons impacts the lives of over 500 young women facing at-risk situations annually. The organization currently has four brick-and-mortar locations in Polk County, including three Thrift Boutique and Beauty Bars, along with Plum Boutique, through which they facilitate their programs and Top Buttons offers the opportunity for affiliate locations to launch in communities nationwide. Their St. Pete Affiliate location will open in the Spring of 2024.
Services provided by Top Buttons cater to young women aged 11-25, including those rescued from human trafficking, individuals with special needs, those in foster care, victims of domestic violence, single mothers, and those facing low income or limited resources.
WHY RAAM
Sarah Powers, the founder and CEO of Top Buttons, has passionately embraced merging her love of cycling with her desire to increase the nonprofits impact on the local community. Her commitment to promoting women's empowerment and increasing female representation in cycling spurred the formation of the “Gears for Good” RAAM Team.
Joined by local female cycling enthusiasts, who share a love for both cycling and the cause championed by Top Buttons, the Gears for Good team aims to raise awareness and funds for the organization's vital programs. The team’s riders are Sarah Powers, Jackie Harrison, Kristin Swinburne, and Kristen Coker. This historic journey across the United States serves as a symbol of determination, resilience, and a collective effort to support young women in their pursuit of transformation.
To learn more about the “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team, or how to get involved please visit us online at www.raamg4g.com for more information. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gearsforgood to stay up to date oh the team’s training as they prepare for Race Across America.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cassie Brown at Cassie@TopButtons.org
We recently hosted our Spring 2021 Building Up Girls event! The event theme was “Guarded for Greater” with an emphasis on guarding our hearts, minds, and bodies for God’s greater purposes. It was a fantastic event and we are so grateful for another impactful event with the young women in our Wearing Confidence Program!
Read MoreSummer is here, HOORAY! Summer is my favorite season for many reasons one of them being fashion, which is so light, beautiful, bright and breezy. For today's post, I would like to share a few summer trends that I am in love with already.
Pieces mentioned in video: Shorts Chambray Shirt Tunic Chambray Dress Converse Vans Chambray Dress Chambray tank dress Floppy Hat Baseball Caps
Boyfriend jeans are the perfect way to transition from winter to spring, and from spring to summer. Check out the video below, where we share some creative looks that use this versatile garment!
Sometimes we can get in a style rut especially in these colder months, so today we are sharing three tips to get you out of that rut and spice up your style a little. https://youtu.be/0PidbfeQJec
Outfit #1 Layering Plaid shirt: Aeropostale -Similar Item Sweater: Old Navy-Similar Items Pants: A&E-HERE Shoes: Steve Madden- Similar Item
Outfit #2 Accessorize Sweater: Old Navy -Similar Items Pants: A&E- HERE Shoes: Shoe Dept- Similar Items Necklace: Claire's -HERE Coat: Old Navy-Similar Item
Outfit #3 Structure Sweater: Old Navy-Similar Items Skirt: Wal-Mart- Similar Items Shoes: Steve Madden - Similar Item Coat: Old Navy -Similar Item
Special thank you to Indie Atlantic Films who produced our first story video through the generosity of their Giving Back Program. This film gives an inside look into the mission of Top Buttons. It truly does take a "Village" to guide our teens down the right path, and we love, love, love working with the girls who have been nominated to participate in our program. Right now we have a waiting list of organizations for at risk girls who would like to be a part of our Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program. We provide our educational and clothing resources to over 200 very deserving girls a semester. Not only do we work with at risk girls, but girls from all backgrounds are a part of Top Buttons. They are models, stylists, writers, photographers, they help with creative development, steam, sort, and tag clothing, and much more! We love being able to provide opportunities for young women to do what they love, while supporting a great cause and getting attention for all the right reasons. Anyone who watches this video and wants to support the work we are doing, please consider giving $10 now by texting "buttons" to "50155". Every little bit counts! As a non-profit, we are able to continue the work we are doing through the financial donations of our supporters. And there are more ways to be a part of what we are doing. Check out our Top Buttons Boutique Page for info on clothing donations, public shopping days, and volunteer opportunities. We truly appreciate the encouragement, the donated time and clothing, and financial resources! https://youtu.be/ngFRlT-TqO4
"Giving Tuesday" is coming up quickly on Tuesday, December 1st. It's an international day of giving back, and we knew you would be interested in an opportunity to provide greatly needed clothing to some very deserving young women! Would you consider sponsoring one at-risk young woman at $100 to receive our unique Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program? Through our program, these young women receive confidence boosting educational sessions, new wardrobes of proper fitting clothing, and much more. Did you know we provide our Wearing Confidence Program to the young ladies of PACE Center for Girls, Porch Light, Heartland for Children, Youth Villa, the Dream Center, Girls Inc, and More?
"PACE Center for Girls, Polk has had the privilege of a partnership with the amazing Top Buttons organization. The collaboration between the two non-profit programs, has benefited the PACE girls in a myriad of ways. Every month, several of our girls are able to participate in the Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program at the Top Buttons Boutique. There they learn many necessary skills while having a good time with the wonderful staff. The Top Buttons team teaches girls how to dress appropriately for a variety of occasions, while maintaining their own sense of style. Girls have the opportunity to try on an assortment of clothing and accessories through which they take new wardrobes of quality clothing for free. This exercise allows girls to have a hands-on experience while receiving input from the staff. As part of the program, professionals teach girls how to apply make-up and style their hair in a trendy but appropriate manner. The Top Buttons staff also comes to the PACE Center to educate our girls about topics surrounding self-esteem and positive body image. These experiences have meant a great deal to the PACE girls. Through a meaningful approach, they are receiving valuable guidance. Girls return to school after visiting the program elated and with increased self-esteem. They also share what they have learned with their peers. Girls within the PACE program, are now working diligently to earn the privilege of this experience. It is something they all strive to be a part of. A big "Believing in Girls" thank you to the Top Buttons non-profit organization for your investment in the girls at PACE Center for Girls, Polk!"
- Marge Connelly, Social Services Manager at PACE Center for Girls, Polk
Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program Recipients with their personal stylist in the pictures featured below.
"How to Dress for Job Interviews & the Workplace" "Feeling Confident from the Inside Out" "Understanding the Impact of Culture on Clothing Choices" "Importance of Contextual Modesty" ...AND we don't just educate these young women, we provide them with the clothing resources and tools they need to present their BEST self in every day life.
*in addition to the educational sessions, these young women receive a wardrobe of properly fitted attire, make-up with application and skin care tips, and on-going mentorship and volunteer opportunities within our boutique*
Give $100 to sponsor one girl today (click here) or keep us in mind for #GIVINGTUESDAY. We are asking every person reading this post to sponsor 1 at-risk girl at $100. Or do what you can, every penny counts!
This year, we have had over 200 at-risk girls participate in our Wearing Confidence Program and we hope to double that number in 2016. Through this #GivingTuesday Campaign, we hope to partner with over 200 people to fund our Wearing Confidence Program through May of 2016.
Thank you for your time and support. Please share this post with anyone who you feel would also be interested in what we are doing at Top Buttons.
Whether you are a mom of a pre-teen or a pre-teen yourself reading this post, we have to say, a pre-teen is NOT too young to own a blazer. In fact we believe, if you don't have one, it should be at the top of your list on your next shopping trip!
Summer is a time of freedom. No one wants to be constricted or restricted by what they are wearing. But having just the right light-weight blazer, can take a playtime look and make it a classy and professional one. Young ladies need practice dressing professionally. One day they will enter the workforce and practice makes perfect! It isn't difficult to add a little structure to your look to change the entire vibe!
This look just went from pool time, to job interview or summer luncheon with mom. No matter what age you are, get yourself a light weight blazer for summer! You won't regret it.
Photography by Beth Carter
Hair and Makeup by Yolanda Delacerda
We all know fashion is no longer defined by age. Preteen style isn't frilly dresses anymore! These ladies are learning more about what they like and don't like everyday. With that in mind we should love, encourage, and get inspiration from their creative looks. At Top Buttons, we can't get enough of their LOVE of LIFE and each other! We asked some young ladies to wear their favorite summer looks for this photoshoot. The outcome couldn't have been orchestrated any better if we would have chosen the outfits for them. So here are our Top 4 Reasons to Love Preteen Style... Take a look.
1. Preteens LOVE clothing items which are Bright and Fun!
Ever found yourself buying that same neutral or black item over and over again? Your tween self would have totally gone with a neon or bright color, no questions asked! Embrace color this summer!
2. Preteens will try a new style or trend without fuss!
As they continue to develop their own unique style, this age group isn't afraid to branch out and try something new with their wardrobe. Aztec, chambray, you name it, and they will try it. Mixing patterns and colors are a must and it's a great way to maximize your wardrobe.
3. Preteens love to capture fashion and friendship!
You know it's true. A Preteen does not miss a moment to snap a pic of their new look with their closest friends. Why not make the most of a great outfit, smile, and camera combo??? During summer, it is a most opportune time.
4. Preteens NEVER FORGET their favorite accessories to complete every look!
Everything about this outfit just works! Try not to be so predictable with your accessories. Mixing things up a bit by adding a totally different color to your shoes or jewelry will add some spunk in your step and some serious interest to your outfit.
Now we all know, clothing which line the shelves for preteen's is often not... hmm... How shall we say it?... age appropriate or modest.
Finding shorts which aren't too short for those growing legs, being bold without being offensive, showing off your mood as it changes day to day, all add to the difficulty of expressing individual style with healthy boundaries. But we've seen it done and done well.
Fashion is ART. We believe the preteen is pretty amazing. She is one who is worth the extra time to find clothing which fits properly and sends a message to the world that she is way more than just a body. She has a beautiful spirit, a heart to give, a strength to overcome, a mind to change the world around her and some spunk to make us all forget our troubles.
We want to hear what you love the most about this age group AND their fashion sense. Let us know in the comments below! We can't wait for our next preteen photoshoot!
Hair and Makeup: Yolanda Delacerda Photography: Beth Carter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny_R_vnuwAo&app=desktop
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85-2ooIJQLE&feature=youtu.be
Thank you for your interest in joining us for our Top Buttons Fundraising Luncheon Event! Top Buttons is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization based out of Lakeland, Florida. Not only do we have an online fashion magazine filtered with modesty in mind, but we are working hard to equip and inspire young women locally through our styling and educational services! We have asked Wendi Braswell to be our guest speaker because she shares our passion to inspire and equip young woman to feel confident in themselves for all the right reasons! Wendi Braswell is a fashion expert, closet cleanser, personal shopper, image developer, public speaker, wife & mom of teenage boys based out of the Tampa Bay Area. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry as a model & actress, she found her true passion in helping others develop their style. Wendi has been inspiring women of all ages to be honest about their body issues and to stick together as women. Cafe Zuppina will be catering the event with their delicious organic Turkish food. This lunch is meant to be a quick, fun, inspirational and refreshing time for all who attend!
For more information please email us at info@topbuttons.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNss6-GLIxY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=SvE-znmHiKE&app=desktop
The Sozo Initiative would like to invite everyone in the Lakeland, Florida area to participate in the 2nd annual Run 4 One on January 17th, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. around Lake Hollingsworth. Run 4 One is a 5k that exists to raise funds to help rescue and restore victims of human trafficking and is a wonderful opportunity to do your part to end modern day slavery. Runners and non-runners are welcome and it will be a chipped time race. To register to walk or run go to the official website. If you do not live locally or are unable to participate in Run 4 One you may still give by going to the registration page and clicking on the donation button. There will also be a children’s fun run.
All of the proceeds from the event will be given to their three beneficiaries listed below:
The Porch Light A division of Florida’s Baptist Children’s Homes, Porch light is the first safe house in Lakeland that is specifically created to house victims of Human Trafficking. Porch light works to help restore these girls physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Porch Light is also supported by Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.
Project Rescue Project Rescue provides physical, emotional and spiritual rescue and holistic restoration to women and children in sexual slavery. Their multifaceted programs aim to provide a safe environment for transformation and growth. Their initiatives include aftercare homes, vocational training, after-school programs, night care shelters, HIV/Aids medical clinics, red light district churches and Sunday schools, and awareness and prevention programs. Project Rescue is also supported by the Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.
Belbin Family. The Belbin’s are a missionary family who work in the children’s homes of Northern India. These homes are where the sons and daughters of the women working in the brothels live. Through building relationships, supporting staff, and facilitating art projects designed to bring emotional and spiritual healing, they are impacting young girls in a significant way. This year we are raising funds to provide a playground for one of the homes.
To learn more about Run 4 One visit their Facebook page
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