On May 15th, the Masala Giving Circle, a philanthropic organization of African-American women, held its Annual Grant Award Ceremony at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Nearly $20,000 was provided to four organizations with missions to improve the quality of life for African-Americans in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Since its founding, the Masala Giving Circle has awarded nearly $60,000 into the community.

HOPE Family Services (HOPE) was honored to be one of the organizations recognized by this amazing giving circle and thanks to their generosity, $2,500 was awarded to provide multicultural hair care products, education, and empowerment to victims and survivors of domestic violence who reside in HOPE’s Emergency Safe Shelter. HOPE’s goal is to provide hair care products to all survivors of domestic violence, including African Americans/Blacks, who reside at HOPE’s Emergency Safe Shelter. HOPE staff want to make sure all residents are provided with basic needs. Ensuring they have what they need helps them move forward to a healthy and independent life. 

With the Masala Giving Circle grant, HOPE staff are also able to provide empowering educational classes for Women of Color. Through the classes, staff teach residents how to minimize bullying of their children, which often happens when incorrect products and techniques are used. We have seen an increase in children’s and adults’ self-confidence by using new products, styles, and techniques. Being sensitive to the needs of all clients is important and thanks to the Masala Giving Circle, their needs are met.

“Masala Giving Circle exists to promote economic and personal empowerment in our community,” says Marilyn Thompson, the group’s president. “Since our inception, our giving philosophy has been to carry on traditions of support passed down through African ancestry and do our part to make the African-American communities stronger and more self-sustainable.”

We are so grateful to the wonderful women of the Masala Giving Circle for supporting women of color in our community and supporting HOPE’s mission! 

Pictured below are photos from the Masala Giving Circle Annual Grant Awardee Ceremony & products purchased with the grant awarded to HOPE.