I have been involved in GlamourGals just for this past summer, and it has already had a profound impact on the way that I approach service and community outreach. The way that the program engages and serves women of all ages is innovative and really important in the world today. Attending a GlamourGals makeover was one of my favorite parts of the summer, and I would certainly encourage anyone to get involved in the program in some way. I hope to remain involved in GlamourGals for years to come!
When I started a high school GlamourGals chapter with my friend Deana 5 years ago, I had no idea the huge impact it would make on my life. Not only has GlamourGals given me the opportunity to develop a voice and leadership skills, but also it has helped me realize that I want to work with senior citizens. If you told me 5 years ago that I would have best friends almost 5 times my age, I probably would've laughed. But now, I'm proud to tell people that I have 90 year old best friends. I'm so fortunate that I was able to start a chapter at my college as well, so that my GG experience doesn't have to end! I know I will stay involved even after college, because GG is an amazing organization that gives senior citizens and its volunteers such happiness.
I have been a GG volunteer for 5 years now. Starting a chapter of GG in my high school was the defining experience for me of my high school career. GlamourGals inspires me because of its ability to connect people from different generations through the simple joy of makeup and of feeling beautiful. I understand the mission of GlamourGals to be deeper than just providing makeovers. The purpose of the GlamourGals organization is to create opportunities for young people to develop into compassionate and servant leaders--leaders who will incorporate the lessons they have learned about humanity and genuine connection to other areas of their life. GlamourGals is an organization that at its core believes that every person in life just wants to be validated, cared for and loved.
That is why I am a member of the Alumni Council--to support this mission of empowering people of all ages to develop bonds with each other. I believe, and GlamourGals believes that these bonds strengthen the spirit of each individual who makes them and the social fabric of our society more broadly.
I would highly recommend anyone become involved in GG in any capacity possible. It is truly a unique organization that provides an unforgettable experience for both its volunteers and the elderly citizens it serves.
I have been a G/G volunteer for the past 14 years. Being involved has enabled me to meet many wonderful people. I am always impressed with the teens who donate countless hours visiting the seniors in their senior homes. Their visits enable the seniors to have a "special moment" chatting and laughing with a teen. It is a truly important organization.
GG neglects to engage the 1400 volunteers they claim to have. My sister ran a chapter of over 40 girls but only 3 were actively going to makeovers yet they had non active members displayed on the site. The mission sounds great in theory but in practice isn't all that great. They claim to help low income neighborhoods but most chapters are in middle class neighborhoods
Review from Guidestar
GlamourGals is a heartfelt and inspiring organization that has truly touched my life. GlamourGals was my gateway to many relationships I established and built through makeovers. Because of GlamourGals, I was able to experience the joy of putting smiles on countless faces by just being myself.
Glamour Gals is an original and inspiring organization that fills a great need in society that is often missing. Glamour Gals not only influences the women in the senior homes that receive attention and compassion from younger generations but also the volunteers who learn the value of giving back to others. As a former volunteer, Glamour Gals greatly influenced me and inspired me to continue to work to improve our society. With its unique events, Glamour Gals does a great job of attracting young and motivated leaders and helping participants and supporters feel appreciated for their hard work and dedication to the mission of GG.
GlamourGals is an amazing organization. I've been volunteering with them since high school and my experiences have taught me the value of compassion, giving back and making a difference.
I have recently been introduced to GlamourGals and have fallen in love with the company. The time and devotion the team dedicate to the cause is inspiring!
Although I have only recently started working with GlamourGals, I have seen a great deal of their work and I know that what they do is amazing. Both the women and the girls are clearly empowered by the makeovers which instill confidence and joy in both parties.
While I am new to GlamourGals, my experience with this organization is so far empowering, inspiring, and moving. The GlamourGals team has so much passion and dedication for what they stand for. The amount of people who dedicate their time and energy to brighten up the elderly's day is incredible. What GlamourGals has done and accomplished is inspiring, and I am proud to say that I am part of this growing team.
I have been a part of my school's chapter from the very start, first as Rally Girl as a sophomore and now as Co-President as a junior. From very start, I loved Glamour Gals and visiting with the women. Over the past two years I have learned so much from the residents and count down until the next makeover. The women look forward to seeing us as much as we do them. I adore GG and I'm so blessed to be part of a loving community. Not only is GG a great nonprofit, it's a heartwarming experience that creates memories to last a lifetime. I tell everyone about Glamour Gals; I'm proud to be a part of such a loving, optimistic organization.
"Hello, how are you doing this fine day?!" This was the welcome I gave this one woman resident. From across the room, I could tell this woman just wanted some company.
I asked again, "Do you want to get your nails done?" She didn't respond. Although she smiled and made eye contact with me, I realized she was part deaf and couldn't fully understand what I was saying to her. After talking with her, I became a little discouraged because I knew she was trying very hard to hear me.
I noticed she had a notepad in her hand and I asked her if I could use it. She welcomed the idea! During our talk, I caught that her name was Margaret and we realized that she and I both grew up in Westfield, NJ. Margaret was delighted to speak with me about her childhood and compare the specific landmarks in the town. Just as I was about to go, Margaret pulled me aside and said to me, "You were wonderful with me. I know it is very hard to speak to me and that is why many people who visit don't talk with me. You have a wonderful gift." This statement blew me away. I, who only spent an hour with this woman, was being called a deaf whisperer! I accepted the compliment with great pleasure. This experience helped me understand what my goal in life will be. I will be going to college next year to study speech pathology/audiology, so that I can help the people in the community who have a trouble communicating. I thank Margaret and her wonderful compliment because she set the path for my life, and I will always remember her kindness and patience.
I joined Glamour Gals over the summer of 2012, transitioning to my senior year in high school. My life has been changed by Glamour Gals and my favorite resident, Ray. I met Ray my second time volunteering, and I'm so happy I did. Ray made me realize how happy people can be just by having conversations and getting to know new people. Every time we visit, Ray doesn't want us to leave. I wish I could stay longer, too. He's the most energetic, funniest, happiest person I've ever met.
Some high school students have stereotypes about senior citizens being grumpy, mean, or boring. Ray definitely destroys that stereotype. Raymond has traveled all over the world; he has visited places such as Spain and Costa Rica. He is originally from Mexico, but he now resides in Chicago. He loves salsa dancing; he says it's what keeps him healthy and going each day. Ray also sings, but he doesn't sing like Ricky Martin. He only sings on special occasions, like when his dinner is done. He's the most humorous senior I know. Spending time with him makes you appreciate things a little bit more.
Joining Glamour Gals, I hoped to gain experience and give back to the community. I lost my grandparents a couple years ago and it was very hard because I was so close to them. It left a huge hole in my heart that I thought would never heal. Glamour Gals has healed that hole in my heart. Every month I'm spending time with grandparents who aren't mine, and it's a blessing.
When I was first asked to join GlamourGals as my school's rally girl, I was hesitant and nervous. It took until my first makeover when I had the most touching experience of my high school career to shake the nerves off. I was doing a Spanish woman's nails, who only spoke Spanish, when at the end of the makeover she grabbed my forehead, leaned down, kissed it, and said "que Dio te bendiga"-that God bless you. Although my peers are probably tired of hearing this story, it has remained my favorite and I know I won't ever forget it. When volunteers go to makeovers, it's more than a chance to do some makeup and practice doing ladies' nails. It's a chance to give lonely ladies new families.
My journey with GlamourGals started in 2007 when I was a Freshmen in college and continues to this day. Joining this organization was the best decision! I've learned how to take the little things in life and appreciate everything thrown my way. Those smiles from the residents when you walked in the door definitely make the journey to the nursing home well worth it. Outside from the actual action of going to a nursing home, GlamourGals help to build leadership, confident, and inspiration to my generation as we grow!
GlamourGals is a wonderful organization. While its main goal is to bring company and enjoyment to the elderly in nursing homes it does so much more. It bridges the gap between two generations that don't have many interactions with each other. Lessons are learned both ways. I started a GlamourGals chapter during my senior year of high school. This was a pivotal time in my life where I was growing up and becoming an adult. I give credit to GlamourGals for helping me become a confidant young woman. Their mission is unique and a service to the entire community.
GlamourGals has changed my life. Through my work with this organization I have been able to learn, grow, inspire, and become someone I never thought I could be. I began my journey with GlamourGals when I was a sophomore in high school. Many bottles of nail polish later, I can honestly say that joining this program was one of the best decisions that I made as a young woman. I am currently the president of the Hunter College GlamourGals chapter as well as an alumni council member. After high school graduation my involvement with GlamourGals did not stop, in fact it got stronger. During the Summer of 2012 I had the honor to intern with the organization and have been provided with various opportunities to grow and develop as a young professional since then. I consider myself to be a "GG Lifer", I am a better person because of GlamourGals and will always be committed to the work that we do.
Glamour Gals was my first involved community service organization. In 2007, I was introduced to Glamour Gals and fell in love with the elders and the mission of the organization. Glamour Gals allows you to feel good about life and promotes more for helping our elders feel wanted, welcomed and cherished. I thank Glamour Gals for helping me embrace my passion for community involvement and opening career opportunities for me as well.
I've been a part of GlamourGals since high school and actually helped start our chapter here at Ohio State University this past fall. Since we've started here, we've been going to two nursing homes about once a month and the experiences have been amazing!
The women and gentlemen I have met have been such a blessing in my life and I'm sure the volunteers and I have truly brightened their days. The residents love to just sit and talk with the young ladies of GlamourGals and I can say that I enjoy it so much.
Since becoming involved with Glamour Gals in 2005, the program has taught me so much about myself, life, and the rewarding experience of giving back to others; especially those who it effects the most: the elderly. Every time I surround myself with other GG volunteers, I am reminded of the amazing amount of power and influence we all have and the potential to make a difference.
As the Alumni Council Chair I have had the privilege of working with the core of the organization and the wonderful women/entrepreneurs that are a part of it, which is such an amazing opportunity. I feel like I can learn from these powerful and successful women to make a difference in my life and the world.
The compassion that Glamour Gals volunteers bring to the nursing home is unique and not found through any other non-profit organization. What we learn through this program offers life skills necessary of a true leader.
I've been involved in GlamourGals since 2005. I think I've enjoyed the moments I've made as part of the GG family because of the people that are apart of the organization. Not only have I enjoyed the company of the elderly men and women I've met at makeovers but I truly enjoy meeting new volunteers too.
The vision and drive behind the GlamourGals organization is why I think so many people want to get involved and stay involved after they've graduated high school. Not only does it empower young students, it allows them build relationships, leadership skills and gives them opportunities to connect with future role models.