"My daughter, Alyssa, had the opportunity to attend the Girls with Pearls program last year
through CFC. It was an amazing time for my daughter as well as myself to see and witness
the confidence Kamika instilled in her. Alyssa watched me one evening creating my very
own "vision board". At that time, I never considered a youth to have one. She was very
excited when Kamika had them create their own. She understood what it was about. For
Alyssa to learn modeling and public speaking built her confidence even higher. We thank
you Kamika for all you have done and about to do! God bless you for your selflessness in
giving your time to our youth. We love you and appreciate you!"
- Gwen W., Smyrna, Delaware
This is my daughter's first experience with Catalyst For Change, Girls With Pearls. Girls
With Pearls has helped her come out of her shell. Through Ms. Kamika's guidance and
gentle support, these girls are able to see beauty in their culture and in their faith. Girls
With Pearls has taught these girls how to be responsible, classy young ladies who are
supportive of one another. I am happy to have my daughter as a participant.
These are
important social skills that will help them achieve their goals and to become successful
citizens.
Chevelloni H., Newark, Delaware
*My three daughters truly enjoy attending their Girls with Pearls Sessions. They are excited
to learn, dance, and be a part of such a special group. We are so blessed to have found this
opportunity and we are excited about the journey they are on with Kamika."
Natasha and David D. Kennett Square. Pennsvlvania
"This program has been so instrumental to my daughter and many other daughter's of Girls
with Pearls current successes. The atmosphere is suited for building great minds,
relationships and a strong sense of confidence. Just amazing!
---- Christine M., Middletown, Delaware
"My daughter has learned so much from Kamika and her 6yrs of involvement with CFC.
She has received countless awards and a proclamation from Mayor Williams. I'm a proud
CFC parent. Thanks Kamika for being a part of my village."
Shantae T., New Castle, Delaware
"Kamika, last Saturday was truly amazing. Meeting you all the kids had such an impact
on me. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to be there. Julie and I had an awesome
experience. Thank you again for having me - and for the beautiful award! Hope to see you
again soon:) Keep in touch - All my love,
~Ashley D., Miss Delaware Teen USA 2010
I was so eager to have my Daughter to. be apart of GWP. I knew it would do for her
all the things I have been trying to convince my daughter. It is not just a dance company.
It is for the entire well being of our young black girls.
-Terri C., Newark, Delaware
Dear Kamika,
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the wonderful, heartfelt evening we shared! Despite the challenging weather conditions that made travel difficult, I've always instilled in my daughter, Sara, the principle of never giving up. So when she realized the weather was against us and understood that I couldn't drive in such conditions, she became concerned about how we would make it. As a devout Southern Baptist, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. In a rush to pack our things and get ready to leave, about 40 minutes before our planned departure, my husband called to inform us that his workplace had closed early due to the weather. He offered to drive us up, which was an incredible blessing!
Another blessing unfolded as he was able to witness his daughter, who was also battling a stomach virus, bravely participating in the event. Kamika, I wanted to share with you what Sara said to me as we headed home. She said, "Momma, thank you and Daddy so much for bringing me tonight, because it is for a good cause and I was able to see my new friends again for maybe the last time." Her words left me in awe. She continued, "Momma, I know you have always taught me never to quit, but today, I really wanted to. However, I'm so glad I didn't, because I realize how important it is not to quit when people are counting on you, especially when it's for a good cause. Some of the kids didn't come to the fashion show, and I thought...what if we all didn't come because of the bad weather...then there wouldn't have been a show at all to help the cause."
I cannot express how proud I am of my daughter. I wanted to share this with you because YOU played a pivotal role in this profound life lesson. Thank you! Sara and I would be honored to be considered for any future endeavors you may have.
With love and blessings,
~Angela G., Felton, Delaware
Our family relocated to Delaware during the height of the pandemic with our 4 year old
daughter in tow. It was a challenge to uproot everything that you were familiar with
especially for Grace. She took it all in stride and began multiple new experiences! It was
important for us to find networks and connections that could support not only her academic
development but also her social and emotional well-being. Girls With Pearls came at the
recommendation of a current parent. She shared that her daughters absolutely loved the
program and were gaining so much from it.
Upon review, I was excited that it was a dance program as Grace has taken dance previously
but GWP was so much more and definitely what Grace needed! We are grateful that the
leader Kamika and the organization were aligned with our Christian values, the program
provides leadership development for girls which is critical for their professional and
academic development, Grace is making friends and has positive role models and last but
not least, the program promotes positive body image through dance. As a mom, I get to
build a community with like-minded parents.
I could say so much about the organization! It has becn a blessing to our lives and it is my
desire that Grace continues to grow with GWP through her high school years.
~Michele M. Wilmington, Delaware
CFC has changed my life as well as my 3 children in such a great way. We were given th
sonor to be a part of the Benefit Fashion Show in January 2010, and it was such an aweson
experience. All 3 of my children modeled together in the program. They had lots of fun an
met other peers that they have built a lifelong relationship with. My 17 r old daughter was
given the opportunity to sing the "Star Spangle Banner" at this event and did and outstanding
job! This has been a dream of hers since the age of 12 and CFC allowed that to come true
Thank you CFC for changing the lives of my children as well as many others. This is an
experience that will never be forgotten."
Many Blessings,
-Arlethia J., Bunkerhill, West Virginia
"This was Kayla's first event with the Catalyst For Change organization. We were very
blessed to have met and worked with so many great kids, parents, and board members.
It was wonderful to see how many people came out through the rough weather to support
the kids. We look forward to working with CFC in the future. Thank you everyone for
making our first event special."
-Jennifer T., Southfield, Michigan
Dear Kamika,
I have just looked at all the photos from Chuck's gallery. T have never seen more gorgeous
and breath-taking images of the children in Nicaragua during these last three years of
community work.
Then, with you in the midst of the mountains of pens, pencils, erasers
and pencil sharpners from your network of donors, it is noth
How
screndipitous that we both wore purple, the color of innerCHANGE, on that very special
day of contributions to the CHESS schools.
memorable event in a tew of our crite, schools.
time for our work it smore tural schools in this seal, remote, and unknown part of the told
remote, and unknown part of the world.
Your presence, your donations, and these images will start a tidal wave of interest that will
Many more people will
where to go,thanks to the artistic eve
oing test begun in out work together cos talk in the next felo de and we have
Con besos y abrazos,
Janet F., M.Ed.
inner CHANGE associates international, LLC
Project Director
Children, Health, Education and Supporting Services, (CHESS)
Kamika,
What tenacity you have embraced the challenge of helping those that can't help themselves
(at first). Your focus to success beyond all the obstacles is an example that is so sorely needed
in this world today. Hanging in there with the faith to press on for the expected end to meet
the purpose for which you started shows such strength of commitment and solid stability of
character.
The best history is made in the unexpected, isolated.
and unsuspecting places and
unsuspecting times in this world today. Impact is the making of a contact on/against/with/for
or through an object or something (physical/mental or spiritual) that has seemingly always
been in place or the expected norm or the "same old same old"
as it's always been. Kamika,
think the children and people of Nicaragua would nickname you and Catalyst For Change:
is being rewritten now! The expected end for all the children you are helping is not a lost or
a waste,
but a potenhat God has made each offhem in His likeness, can become because
Remembe in the he beaty adigi, must window of. (s raof hope Peepsio
throushout this organization and he is building up Leaders such as Kamika: Sister Kamika
children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah
~ Kiela C.-Women of Destiny-Detroit, Michigan
On January 21, 2023, I shared at our luncheon the amazing impact that Girls With Pearls
has had on my niece, Saraya.
Since joining Girls With Pearls, Saraya has grown in so many ways. The creative dance
programs have helped her tap into her inner artist and helped her to express herself in a
whole new way. She has also been able to serve her community by participating in volunteer
projects and has even taken on leadership roles within the group, inspiring and guiding the
younger girls. I have seen Saraya transform from a shy, reserved girl into a confident and
articulate young girl. Saraya's experience with Girls With Pearls has been the sense of a
second family to her, and she has learned so much from the supportive and empowering
environment of leaders. Thank you, Kamika Bell, for your unwavering commitment to Girls
With Pearls and for your dedication to transforming the lives of these young girls.
-Monique F. New Castle, Delaware-
I was referred to Girls With Pearls by several parents. It took me a little time to really look
into the Girls with pearls. After researching, I loved what I heard! After my daughter joined,
I was excited! She started to have more confidence in herself than she did not have
previously. Aliyah is excited to get up on Saturday mornings and go to class. Aliyah always
comes home and talks about class and what Ms. Kamika told her in class. Ms. Kamika has
been a Godsend!! I don't make a lot of money and she makes the classes affordable and
pours into these young ladies! It's not about money for her it is her passion!!
~Katrina C. Elkton, Maryland