Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that we are limitless. Sometimes, we all just need a little twinge of hope to get us over the hump. Sometimes, we just need to know someone is thinking of us. Those moments are the driving force behind Hopefull Handbags, a 501(c)3 that gives hope with donated once-loved handbags. Before reaching the woman in need, they are filled with necessities and things to make each woman feel amazing, along with an inspirational handwritten note. These women are often getting back on their feet after domestic violence or other detrimental situations. Each once-loved handbag that is donated is given with the knowledge that it is going to raise hope, a win-win for the giver and the recipient. It is Hopefull Handbag’s desire to pass on that energy of hope, help, and love. As each Hopefull Handbag is going through the cleaning and filling process, we imagine a Survivor who is getting back on her feet again being gifted this once-loved Hopefull Handbag.
After seeing her grandmother live in and deal with domestic violence daily, Cathlene had a lot of questions at a young age. One of the repeated questions she kept asking herself is, “Why would someone stay when it hurts? Why would someone stay when they know that their children are seeing this and in some situations being abused too?” Throughout her life and throughout the years with speaking to many women that were in these situations, the one thing she found out for sure was that there was no “one” reason. There are many reasons why they stay and that each situation is different.
If her grandmother had known that there was help, hope, and support, would she have stayed? Cathlene’s grandmother passed away many years ago so she will never know; she does know that she is inspired and called to spread hope and the word that there is help and support all over at no charge.
“Never Underestimate the Power of Hope." Hopefull Handbags is more than the handbag full of goodies, it is also about raising awareness that domestic violence is real. It happens in all socioeconomic backgrounds. Believing in collaboration over competition, all Hopefull Handbags hosted events and events they participate in focus on providing knowledge, tools, and community to give hope, help, and support for you to feel inspired, motivated and empowered to create a positive change within yourself which affects everything and everyone around you.
Raising Hope in your Community One Handbag at a Time. Hopefull Handbags has spread to multiple states in the US, the Caribbean and other countries! We are grateful for the passionate sponsors and women that surround us and get involved by donating their once loved handbags and fill for the Hopefull Handbags. All donations stay in the community where the donation originated. We also work directly with the shelter and women to assure that our Hopefull Handbags get in the hands of the ladies who need them most.
Cathlene Miners is a wife, mother of 4, homeschool Mom, Grandmother, international speaker, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and podcast host. Cathlene founded Hopefull Handbags, Inc Non-Profit 501(c)3 in 2017 right here in St. Augustine, Florida.
Drop off locations are located throughout the community. For more information, sponsor, donate or volunteer go to Hopefullhandbags.org
