Building Community with Volunteers

Days before Christmas, the women at The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center were called down to the cafeteria. When they all arrived, they realized they weren’t going to the cafeteria for a snack but were getting blessed with a Beauty Day by the women of Miss Essence World Elite.

“The Salvation Army Women and Children’s Center give us an opportunity to provide hope, purpose, and perseverance for those most vulnerable,” said AnJoynae Jimpson, founder of Miss Essence World Elite. “As a woman, I know how it feels to be at rock bottom. We feel it is our duty to uplift and encourage the woman who are looking for ways to overcome their current circumstance.”

Miss Essence World Elite has partnered with The Salvation Army since 2023, choosing the shelter as one of its primary volunteer locations for its members. The organization, founded in 2019, is a beauty contest based on talent, fashion, self-expression, and community service. Its purpose is to provide a platform for young women to be heard and motivation to face adversity.

“Their consistent presence, generosity, and focus on empowerment have had a positive impact on our women and children at the center,” explained Hannah Briles, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.

During Beauty Day, the organization provided services like hair braiding, facials, and lash and nail services. Angela, a mom living at the shelter with her two children, participated in the event and received a festive manicure that got her into the Christmas spirit. Miss Essence World Elite hosts events like Beauty Day each month at the shelter. Past events include a resources fair, skate parties, beauty pageants, and arts and crafts. Each event focuses on encouragement, goal setting, and pursuing dreams despite past challenges.

“We’ve spent a lot of time connecting with the women at the center and learning about their experiences,” said Jimpson. “That knowledge helps us design the event in a meaningful way.”

In addition to hosting events, on each visit the team from Miss Essence World Elite brings donations that the organization collects on behalf of The Salvation Army. These donations often include hygiene products and other essential items that directly benefit the women and children living at the shelter.

Miss Essence World Elite’s consistent presence, generosity, and focus on empowerment have had a positive impact on our community and the Ruth Lilly Women and Children's Center. Strong community partnerships like this demonstrate how working together can create lasting support, encouragement, and meaningful change for women and children in need.