Changing Lives, One Room at a Time

During a year-long mentorship program through Space of Her Own, my mentee Shania and I made our own sketchbooks, constructed a shadowbox, and refinished a chair, among other activities. Many of the projects that we worked on became part of the renovated bedroom that Shania and her sister share. The updated space also features new donated mattresses and boxsprings for the siblings, new linens, a refinished dresser, a shelf, an upcycled t-shirt rug, and emoji art. It was really special to use my skills and training as a designer to positively impact the life of a young individual and ultimately her family as well.

Space of Her Own (SOHO), and its brother program, Space of His Own, are nonprofit organizations committed to helping children develop the life skills fundamental to healthy and fulfilling lives. Based in northern Virginia, the programs strive to achieve this goal by fostering one-to-one mentoring and exposing children to activities that promote self-expression, creativity, and positive life skills. Over the course of a year, the mentors and mentees meet weekly, eat healthy dinners together, work on projects, and engage in team-building activities. The children learn about setting goals, planning, and giving back to their communities. At the end of the SOHO year, each mentor renovates their mentee’s room on a small budget, giving the kids a true space of their own.

For more about Space of Her/His Own’s mission and to learn how you can help, please click here.

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