(ROCKWALL/HEATH, Dec. 15, 2015) When word of a future children’s advocacy center in Rockwall began to spread throughout the community, local businesses, organizations and individuals didn’t hesitate to show just how big of a heart Rockwall has for those in need. Many donated their time, money and materials to renovate the building owned by the Rockwall Soroptimist Club and turn it into what will become the future Rockwall Children’s Advocacy Center.
The idea of an advocacy center for abused and neglected children in Rockwall has taken hold of both young and old in the community, including 12-year-old Alison Grundelman of Heath. The seventh grader has been actively involved in raising money for the Rockwall CAC by making and selling necklaces through her own business venture, Jars of Hope.
Alison – who competed last year in one of the largest pageants in the United States, the National American Miss Pageant – won the title of 2014-15 National Ambassador for National American Miss; as such, Alison has a great opportunity to make a difference in her community. She heard about the Rockwall CAC from her mother, Jessica Grundelman, and together Alison and her mom decided to contact Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper, who’s leading the efforts to bring an advocacy center to the county. That’s when the idea for Jars of Hope was born.
“The concept was that these kids that we’re helping, what they’re lacking is hope,” Jessica said. “These are kids that have been neglected, abused, have witnessed horrific crimes…the average kids these advocacy centers see are 9-10-year-olds who have been abused by someone they know and trust. So they need hope more than anything.”
According to Jessica, they purchase material for the necklaces wholesale and in bulk in order to save as much as possible, so that more money can go toward the Rockwall CAC. Alison’s necklaces currently sell in three stores throughout Rockwall – Southern Roots, Second Evolution and Willis Fine Jewelry – for $25 per necklace. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Rockwall CAC.
Alison said knowing the good that making the necklaces will do for abused and neglected children makes the endeavor that much more worthwhile and enjoyable.
“I like a lot of things about it,” Alison said. “I like making the necklaces because it’s fun, but I also like the thought that I’m going to be helping charities and everything.”
Besides necklaces, Jars of Hope’s brand new Dream Jars will also help bring hope to abused children by ridding them of their frequent nightmares. The Dream Jars are square jars available in four different styles and colors – Sleep Tight, Goodnight, Midnight and Moonlight – with hope quotes written on little scrolls of paper found inside the jars to help put the children’s minds at ease and stave off nightmares.
The products have been a hit so far in the community, with over $400 worth sold at press time. Jessica said that number has been increasing by the day, bringing her and Alison closer to their goal of $10,000 to be raised in the first year of business.
“I have been so impressed by Alison’s leadership, passion, and vision and am proud to be working with such an accomplished young lady,” said Rockwall County DA Culpepper.
Alison’s mom added, “The Rockwall community likes to help, and likes to make a difference. Most of the owners, especially of these independent businesses, are more than willing to provide. So we’ve had positive response.”
Alison and Jessica hope to one day see their products selling in stores across the country in order to bring more awareness about advocacy centers and their effectiveness in helping abused children to cope with the horrors they’ve faced, and to know that they don’t have to face them alone.
“Every child deserves to be happy and safe,” Alison said. And her efforts to make it so will continue through the New Year. At the end of November, Alison was re-crowned National Ambassador for National American Miss, 2015-16.
To view Alison’s handmade, hope-inspiring necklaces, visit the Jars of Hope website at http://thingsbyali.com/.
Story and photo by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.
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