Emma, Alyson & Kate Hance Family Foundation

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Bringing the *Beautiful Me* program to our Finley Middle School has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made as a principal. Now in its second year, the program has had a profoundly positive impact on our young girls, empowering them to build self-esteem, cultivate healthy relationships, and embrace their individuality. It’s incredible to see how the program's thoughtful curriculum and supportive environment inspire our students to grow into confident and compassionate individuals.

The partnership with the Hance Family Foundation has been invaluable. Their unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and self-worth in young people is evident in every aspect of the program. They have worked closely with our staff to ensure that the implementation is seamless, and their dedication to our community’s success is deeply appreciated. The collaboration has enriched our school culture, providing our students with tools and perspectives that will serve them well for years to come.

As an educator, there is nothing more gratifying than witnessing the transformation of a student who begins to recognize her potential and sees herself through a lens of strength and possibility. *Beautiful Me* has brought about this transformation for so many of our girls, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any school looking to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of their students. Thank you to the Hance Family Foundation for your continued partnership and dedication to our school community! -Nelson Iocolano, Principal

I participated in the Self-Esteem rising ambassador program with the Hance Family Foundation this past summer and it was absolutely amazing! With my amazing ambassador leader Joanne, we learned all about positivity, kindness, and inclusivity, and how it is such an integral part of building your confidence and having a high self esteem. We were able to meet with a group of incredible girls where we all talked about how even though it's not easy to be confident all the time, there are ways that we can work to promote it within ourselves and others. At the start of each meeting we will always start by saying "Hi everyone, I am beautiful, and this week I've been feeling...." This was a very safe space for us to share our thoughts where we never felt judged, and we all became great friends by the end of it! This is truly a fantastic program where we work to spread positivity, and kindness all around to promote self esteem, because a little kindness can go a long way! Also, none of this could happen without the amazing staff working with the foundation. They are all so caring, kind, and smart individuals whom I look up to a lot! I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this extraordinary program and I look forward to keep working with the foundation in order to boost up others in order for them to be the best version of themselves at all times!

I have been involved with the HFF since 2019 and my favorite part has been seeing the relationships that have formed because of the foundation. Whether it be through the Self-Esteem Rising Ambassadors program, Beautiful Me groups or the HFF's DEI Committee, the foundation's mission allows for the safe spaces needed to grow relationships. It is an honor to help the HFF spread Emma, Alyson & Katie's enthusiastic confidence to girls and women globally.

The Hance Family Foundation has made a profound impact on their local community and beyond. The work they do inspires young children and their families to become confident and love themselves. In addition to the amazing work they do, they consistently support small business around them. The Hance Family Foundation undoubted makes the world a better place.

The Hance Family Foundation in Floral Park, NY is an amazing organization. Whether it be through their various self esteem programs, their ambassador program, and their participation in various community activities, they are a community-oriented organization and extremely dedicated to helping young people, like myself see the good in themselves.

Hance Family Foundation is doing an incredible job of bringing awareness by educating our girls about self worth and unjust societal norms. They highlight gender gaps and address how to bridge those gaps by empowering young girls early on. I am a part of their 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee'. This committee provides a safe space for members to listen, reflect, and challenge the norms that promote social biases and inequities. Beautiful Me is an amazing self esteem building program I ran for my elementary school girls, including girls with special needs. The impact of this program is life lasting as I observed girls becoming more comfortable with themselves and became confident to acknowledge and address their feelings.

The staff empower and pour into the children with their whole hearts! it is truely a labour of Love and community that creates an impact for life. The tools that are given to children through the Beautiful Me program build confidence for a lifetime. I wish growing up that I had access to such an awesome program. I witnessed one of the Hance Foundation Educators speak to a group of children at a Prom Dress giveaway. The energy and spirit of love was so evident. Every child was so engaged. You could see the light in the childrens eyes. It was really quite profound. I can't wait to see what else the Foundation does as they continue to honour Emma, Alyson & Kate! I feel privilaged to be part of the Hance Foundation community!!

The Hance Family Foundation (HFF) does wonderful work to build the confidence and self-awareness of children and adults alike. Through their Self-Esteem Rising's suite of programs and commitment to supporting communities not just locally in NY but across the nation, the HFF's message of believing in yourself and not going it alone is a strong one that is so needed today. Their tireless work and efforts to empower students and adults as well as connect with communities are making a powerful mark in schools, organizations, and beyond.

The Hance Family Foundation manages to exude its message of uplifting, empowering, and spreading positivity whether you are engaging in one of its powerful curriculums or interacting with any of their amazing staff members. As a school psychologist, I am always looking for more ways to support my students. Working in Brentwood School District, this can sometimes be particularly challenging as the district is extremely large and quite simply the funding is not always available. The fact that the HFF provides free training and then continues to provide every single item needed to see the program through each and every time has been such a blessing. The amount of students in our district who have been touched and empowered through the Beautiful Me curriculum cannot be powerfully enough stated in words. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with the HFF and continue to get staff trained including social workers, counselors, psychologists, and also teachers; but most of all it has been a wonderful experience to get to utilize the program and see its impact time and time again with my students.

My name is Madeline Velez and I am a Bilingual School Counselor in Bronx, New York.
Since January 2019, the Emma, Alyson & Kate Hance Family Foundation has been beneficial to my professional and personal life. Through Beautiful Me, the flagship program offered by Self-Esteem Rising, females of all ages in my school community from students, parents and staff members, have benefited from this extraordinary, free self-esteem curriculum. As a member of the foundation's Diversity & Inclusion Committee, I have found a “brave space” to have conversations with educators and other professionals regarding current events, social/political issues and other riveting topics that affect my work with inner city youth and their families. Through my collaboration with the Hance Family Foundation, I have obtained additional tools that have enhanced my school counseling practice and have assisted me in my work to dismantle educational barriers affecting the student population in my elementary school.

I implement the Beautiful Me program at my public school in Rockaway NY. This past school year, I've had the privilege of bringing 37 5th graders and 15 middle school girls through the program. The feedback has been so positive and motivating for me to continue. I put together a bulletin board with the girls' responses of what they thought of the program and how BM has helped them in their lives; my heart is so filled each time I pass it. Thank you for helping the Foundation continue it's awesome work.

HFF is one of the most impactful organizations I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. The work it does to uplift the lives of women and girls around the world is truly remarkable and will lead to lasting positive change. I couldn't be more proud to be associated with this foundation.

Growing up in Floral Park, New York I was always incredibly moved and inspired by those who lead the Hance Family Foundation with love, passion, and incomparable commitment. I quickly became a volunteer as a high school student who tried to give back in any small way I knew I how. As a college, student, I was asked to volunteer to organize one of HFF’s new flagship programs, Beautiful Me, at my college. At the time, I didn’t know much about it, but trusted it would be something inspiring and helpful for others. I participated in the program with fellow classmates and was absolutely blown away. I learned crucial life skills that I was lacking as a young adult. I learned how to set self-generated rules and boundaries. I learned how to love my body and appreciate who I was. I began to deepen my understanding of positive self-talk and healthy self-esteem. My experience further moved me to continue to give back to others and strengthened my desire to help others find the good in themselves. Fast forward to the present, I am a licensed clinical social worker and a Self-Esteem Rising leader who continues to be passionate in giving females the same gift and experience I received from the Beautiful Me program.

The Hance Family Foundation provided my community with invaluable support in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. They gave us the gift of respite. When we were devastated and displaced from the flood, they arranged to host a family barbeque on the field of our local elementary school. They brought food, music, even a magician! They gave us warm coats and warm hearts. They gave us a moment to breathe.
In gratitude, my friends and I volunteered the following spring at the HFF Annual Family Fun Day. It's an incredibly large and festive day. We experienced first hand the love and gratitude they hold for their community. I still recall the variety of activities and people. It impressed me that their organization worked so efficiently. There were thousands of people there that day. In my experience as a volunteer, I felt valued, supported and seen.
Years later, I find myself again connected with the foundation as a program consultant working primarily with the Beautiful Me program. Beautiful Me is the keystone program in their suite of offerings to empower females with genuine confidence entitled "Self-Esteem Rising". In this role, I have witnessed firsthand the transformational work of the foundation, the ever expanding success of their mission and the enduring love and legacy of three BEAUTIFUL little girls.

It has been an honor and a joy to teach at The Hance Family Foundation! The core mission is to empower girls of all ages to live with confidence and self love! I have had the pleasure to work with The Ambassador program, and see firsthand, that our future leaders take these core values and spread the mission to their own peers .The reach has been endless! My own niece, Tatum, was an Ambassador from Georgia, and is living proof, that enhancing self esteem, and surrounding yourself with positive role models, is the gift that keeps on giving from HFF! I have also been a part of The Cultural Diversity Committee, which has allowed us to work on equity issues, and inclusivity for all! I am grateful to be a part of this foundation. Thank you Jackie and Warren for your strength and love! 105,000 and rising!!

My school has collaborated with HFF for over 10 years. They are committed to providing support to our East Harlem community through their invaluable programs and holiday toy drive. Their volunteers come to our school every year for an unforgettable holiday celebration with hundreds of gifts they donate to our families in need. Our students have also benefited from the Beautiful Me program. We are so grateful for their generosity, and the tremendous contribution they have made to our community!
Elementary School Social Worker, Ms. Garson

HFF has positively impacted my family in many ways. First, my daughters. Self Esteem Rising/Beautiful Me helped my girls, now 19 and 23, see their inner beauty at a time in each of their lives when they could not always see the best in them. I am looking forward to our 19 year old participating in the program again as a college student and noticing her own beauty and growth.
For me HFF has given me an opportunity to honor Emma, Ali, and Kate, my friends’ daughters, through service to others. Year after year I am forever grateful for the opportunities to participate in service through HFF.

I am honored to be part of the Hance Family Foundation . I was trained as a teacher to share their mission with my students . The students and I benefitted so much as our self esteem grew because of their varied and expert information and activities tailored to raise confidence in all their recipients . I now am a retired teacher who has the privilege of training other professionals so they can flourish from our program.

I am honored to work with The Hance Family Foundation for the past four years. The curriculum for females of all ages is life changing. Self-esteem and confidence is something we all need to focus on and this program will leave all participants impacted and leave feeling empowered!

As a leader of a school, it has been such a joy to partner with the Hance Family Foundation! The work that they support for children in school communities is unparalleled. In addition, the fact that they are making a concerted effort to address diversity and cultural inclusion within their programs is so critical to what our children need right now. I am thankful for the passion and commitment of the HFF Team!

To watch ten year old girls smile and confidently say, "I am beautiful." is immeasurable. The Hance Family Foundation makes a powerful, positive impact on our school's fifth grade girls. It is a privilege to witness their self esteem increase each week as they attend the Beautiful Me program.

We are so thankful to be able to honor Emma, Alyson and Katie in offering Beautiful Me to our 8th grade girls at Draper Middle School! The curriculum is inspiring and empowering for our young ladies and they have left Beautiful Me with a sense of purpose, renewed confidence, and positivity. Thank you Hance Family Foundation for the incredible opportunity!

How do you know when a program is a success? When you have positive and engaging conversations with middle school girls who can now embrace who they are and are unwilling to be defined by either society or their peers. The Hance Family Foundation provides the Beautiful Me program free-of-charge to schools and organizations, which empowers girls to be fearless at any age. Girl by girl, self-confidence becomes their superpower! I have personally worked with hundreds of girls and many educators and we all agree that this is one of the most amazing programs out there!

What a wonderful organization! I have the pleasure of teaching this program to sixth grade students at the school I work in. The girls are initially shy and quiet. However, after the three sessions, I notice a big difference in the girls demeanor. They are more confident and are able to share their feelings with clarity. When I meet them in the hallway, i see that they walk a little taller and smile a little bigger!
Many of the girls come back to me months later and share how the program has impacted their life in such a positive way. I look forward to enhancing the life's of young woman through this great program!

My daughter completed the program at her school and she had an amazing experience. Everyone involved is so passionate about uplifting girls and women. Her experience led me to become involved in the program as s teacher. I now teach the program to the girls at my school.

I've done the 5k a few years and the feeling you get when being a part of it will bring you to tears. Such a beautiful organization and it shines out for the world to feel it. Such a lovely event to be a part of.

The Hance family Foundation is a phenomenal organization - it mission to build self-esteem in girls and women is desperately needed. We live in a harsh, jusgemental world and the Hance Family Foundation is a life vest for so many girls and young women struggling with their self image and self worth. My daughters had the privledge of experiencing the "Beautiful Me" program and it changed their lives - it instilled confidence, positive self-image and has inspired them to share this message with others. The Hance Famly foundation rebuilds girls from the inside out - regardless of their age or ethnicity. It reminds us, we are all beautiful

What started out as tragedy and heartache, has grown into something truly beautiful.
I have been involved with this foundation from its inception and could not be prouder of how it has grown and all that is has accomplished to help children.

Beautiful Me is truly special. I have an inside look at this program not only having taught it myself- but having my own daughters go through it as well. This program has touched so many girls. (over 25,000 now!!!) Girls needs to know their value and their beauty. This program helps them to realize their self worth. And by doing it through the life lessons of Emma, Aly and Katie, it helps to keep their memory alive. I know firsthand how important that is.

Beautiful Me is delivered in a way that girls feel free to speak openly and candidly. This safe environment allows them to truly reveal things about themselves that are so special. They are treasured. This creates strong women.

Classes are taught by strong women. Women who dedicate their time to support this cause. I highly recommend people to volunteer within this organization. It is an honor to be able to honor 3 angels. There are so many different ways that you can help since it is involved in so many wonderful projects.

This foundation gives all year round. The holiday toy drive is truly amazing. I have witnessed the pure joy on a child's face receiving a Christmas present, knowing it is the only one that he/she will get that year. The impact that HFF has has on the inner city communities is enormous.

I know how proud Emma, Aly & Kate are of their parents for creating this foundaiton in their honor. I am proud to support the HFF in any way possible. I have seen the many programs in action (Beautiful Me, Grow with Me, Toy drive, School Supply drive) and feel it is a privilege to be a part of it.

Beautiful Me is a wonderful program that honors the lives of three young girls taken too early from this earth. The program emphasizes helping one another, being kind and understanding your own individual uniqueness. I have seen and felt first hand the profound affect that the Beautiful Me program has on the females who are lucky enough to be part of it. Beautiful Me increases self-confidence, self-esteem and self-concept through creative expression, conversation, and action. Females young and old will benefit from this program tremendously.

I am incredibly proud of our foundation. Behind the scenes, we have become a huge team of generous people who give selflessly and ask nothing in return. Our program, Beautiful Me, extends the examples taught by my three daughters--Emma, Alyson and Katie. I believe that they are the reason so many work tirelessly to bring Beautiful Me to thousands of participants. We are now experts in the field of self-esteem and we welcome you to join us. Thank you for keeping Emma, Alyson and Katie in your hearts.

Warren, Jackie & the amazing team of volunteers at the Hance Foundation have touched the lives of so many people in the community of Floral Park, and around the country. Their continuous dedication and commitment to making a difference in lives of young children is amazing and inspirational. Laura Bressmer

Quite simply, this foundation and the three extraordinary sisters in whose honor it was created, Emma, Alyson and Katie Hance, are positively changing countless lives, not just of Beautiful Me participants, who are given the priceless gift of self-esteem, but of everyone with whom they will now confidently share their individual personalities and unique strengths and talents.

The Hance Family Foundation through the Beautiful Me Program empowers girls to have pride and dignity in themselves. My Girl Scout troop participated in this program and they loved it. What they learned will carry on with them through their lives. Thank you for all that you do.

I have seen, first hand, the optimism that is awakened in so many females after participating in the Beautiful Me program. Often, typically shy or withdrawn females find that they are comfortably able to express themselves and be true to themselves with the help of this program. Outgoing, outspoken girls learn the power of confidence, humility and friendship and how to be the best people they can be. Everyone learns the power of individuality, acceptance, friendship and trust. The Beautiful Me program inspires adults, teens and children to accept themselves and others and realize the power and strength that comes from within.

I am blessed to watch so many females' lives be touched by the Beautiful Me Program. It encourages kindness and helps females to embrace their individuality while undertanding the uniqueness of themselves and others. It inspires girls and women to get out and help and sipport one another. Beautiful Me makes everyone invloved feel good!!

As a Beautiful Me instructor, I have been blessed to see the impact the self-esteem program has on girls and woman. I have been told time and time again by participants, the course is life changing. Each female joins us with a certain set of beliefs about herself and leaves us with a new way of thinking, feeling supported and part of a larger sisterhood. I continue to learn and grow myself with each group of girls I work with. Beautiful Me is truly an invaluable program.

I am thrilled to be a part of such an important and impactful organization. As a Floral Park native, I kept in touch with the Hance Family Foundation and brought 'Beautiful Me' to the university I was working at in Rhode Island. After seeing in person the positive affect 'Beautiful Me' had on my students, I knew this was a mission I could get behind 110%. Building self-esteem, confidence and self-worth are critical issues that affect the many choices girls and women make every day. Our goal is to have women of all ages go through the program so they can be empowered to share their gifts and talents with their family, workplaces and community. As we build a world of empowered women, this will then give confidence to all whom they come in contact with, therefore, creating positive change wherever they may go. In the words of Marianne Williamson, "Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine...As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I have had the pleasure of running several Beautiful Me sessions at my school. The girls love the classes and will talk about them for weeks after.

I have been following the Hance family tragedy from afar since that tragic day of July 26 2009.The admiration and respect I have for Jackie and Warren is immeasurable. I purchased Jackie's book and cried along with her as I am the mom of two beautiful blonde daughters now 24 and 22 years old. To Warren and Jackie-this foundation is an amazing tribute to your girls and as I'm sure you are always told the girls are watching down on you with pride and admiration knowing how much you are enriching the lives of thousands of young ladies. If only the world was filled with more giving hearts like yours turning tragedy into such a positive foundation-our world would be forever changed. Anyone who knows your story can't help but be forever changed and be forced to be thankful for every moment they share with their children . I send you my love and respect from Nova Scotia ,Canada and pray for immense health ,hope and happiness as you raise your new beautiful daughter to be as happy and loving as her big sisters. Sincerely,Michelle Crowe