Youth, Self-Love & Community Care | February 2026 WMYFB Newsletter

Love in Action: Youth, Community, and Care

February is often associated with love—but at What Makes You Feel Beautiful, love shows up through service, growth, and care for one another. This month, we’re celebrating youth leadership, sharing upcoming events, and looking ahead to meaningful work unfolding this spring.

Youth Spotlight: Celebrating Kona

We are honored to share that Rebecca Jackson (Kona), a MAUI GEMS participant and volunteer with What Makes You Feel Beautiful, has been named the Violet Richardson Award 2026 Runner-Up Recipient by Soroptimist International of Maui.

The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women ages 14–18 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, initiative, and compassion through volunteer service—especially service that supports women and girls. Kona was selected by a judging panel for her meaningful contributions to the community and her dedication to giving back through service and leadership.

As part of this recognition, Kona and What Makes You Feel Beautiful will be honored at Soroptimist International of Maui’s Spring Awards Ceremony. 

Below is an excerpt from Kona’s essay, submitted as part of her application. In her own words, she reflects on her volunteer experience, leadership journey, and the impact of serving her community.

From Kona’s Essay

“Volunteering with organizations like What Makes You Feel Beautiful has shaped my understanding of the critical importance of hygiene access for girls and women. Through my involvement, I have witnessed firsthand how access to essential hygiene products—such as menstrual supplies—can significantly impact a woman’s sense of dignity and self-worth. Many women face economic barriers that make these necessary items inaccessible, often leading to feelings of shame during vulnerable times.

By helping distribute these products, I am not only addressing an immediate need, but also empowering women to reclaim their sense of dignity through self-care. This experience has allowed me to connect with remarkable individuals who demonstrate resilience despite challenging circumstances. My role extends beyond distribution—it includes serving as a role model for younger girls in our community and showing the importance of showing up for one another.

Beyond the physical products we provide, the emotional impact of this work is profound. Many women express gratitude not just for the items themselves, but for being seen, heard, and cared for. These interactions reinforced my understanding that hygiene access is not a luxury—it is a basic human need that directly influences confidence, mental well-being, and opportunity.

Volunteering also helped me recognize my own responsibilities and privileges. I learned that advocacy begins with awareness and grows through action. Through this work, I’ve gained clarity about my future goals and a deeper commitment to service, leadership, and community. I am proud to be part of an organization that affirms dignity, compassion, and care for all women and girls.”

We are incredibly proud of Kona and grateful to witness the care, growth, and leadership emerging from the young women in our MAUI GEMS community. Kona’s recognition reflects not only her heart and commitment, but also what becomes possible when girls are supported, trusted, and encouraged to serve.

Community Giving Event: Shop to Support

We are grateful to share an exciting Community Giving Event in partnership with Lilly Pulitzer, hosted at their Shops at Wailea location.

On this special day, 10% of event proceeds will be donated to What Makes You Feel Beautiful, supporting programs that serve women, girls, and families across Maui.

📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026

⏰ 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

📍 Lilly Pulitzer | Shops at Wailea

Shoppers are invited to enjoy a fun and welcoming atmosphere while supporting a meaningful cause. The event will include sips, sweets, and the opportunity to shop new arrivals—all while giving back.

How It Helps

• 10% of net sales from the event day will be donated to What Makes You Feel Beautiful

• Purchases made during event hours directly support our community programs

  
  

Ways to Participate

• Shop in-store on February 21

• Phone orders are available for those unable to attend in person

• Help spread the word by sharing the event with friends and family

  
  

We are deeply thankful to Lilly Pulitzer for creating space to celebrate community, generosity, and impact.

Valentine’s Reflection: A True Love Story Begins Within

February is often celebrated as the month of love—but love doesn’t only live in romance, flowers, or grand gestures. This season can also be an invitation to turn inward and explore one of the most important relationships we will ever have: the relationship with ourselves.

This month, we’re sharing a special YouTube video that offers a gentle yet powerful reflection on self-love—what it really means, how it’s practiced, and why it matters so deeply for women and girls navigating today’s world.

Through a simple story, the video reminds us that self-love is not selfish or indulgent. It is a daily practice of self-respect, compassion, and choosing yourself—even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It explores how learning to quiet the inner critic, set boundaries, and treat ourselves with kindness can create a ripple effect that touches every part of our lives and the lives of those around us.

This Valentine’s season, we invite you to pause, reflect, and consider a different kind of love story—one rooted in self-awareness, care, and inner strength.

 Watch the video here:

We hope this message meets you exactly where you are and serves as a reminder that the greatest love we can cultivate is the one we offer ourselves.

ʻOhana Care Outreach – March Event

Our ʻOhana Care Outreach Program will be hosting a March distribution event, providing essential hygiene and self-care items to families experiencing hardship.

📍 Location details will be announced soon—please stay tuned.

This program continues to grow thanks to the generosity and care of our community.

Volunteers Needed: ʻOhana Care Support

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the ʻOhana Care program.

Volunteer support is needed for:

• Loading supply boxes into trucks

• Assisting at distribution locations

Requirements:

✔ Ability to lift at least 25 pounds

✔ Willingness to support families with care and respect

Program Announcement: FLY SEL Launching in March

We’re excited to announce that What Makes You Feel Beautiful’s FLY Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program will be launching at Lokelani Intermediate School in March.

This program supports youth through self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and resilience—bringing meaningful tools directly into a school community.

Learn More About the FLY Program

Interested in learning more about the FLY SEL Program and how it supports youth?

🔗 Click here to learn more about the FLY Program