Ever After Opportunities is a fairytale nonprofit for youth

This occasional feature highlights events and milestones at local nonprofits. If you would like to submit a suggestion please email chloe@lansingcitypulse.com

Ever After Opportunities is a nonprofit organization focused on serving youth in seven counties across mid-Michigan. Its goal is to help youth 12 to 18 years old live their “happily ever after” by offering a variety of services to overcome obstacles. All services are free and do not have income limits. 

The organization is most known for its Cinderella’s Closet Events. Each year at these events, formal dresses, shoes and accessories are given away for free. Dresses are available for farewell dances, homecoming dances and prom. Star Bolden, board president of the organization, says they are “helping young ladies have a Cinderella moment.” 

The first dress giveaway of 2022 happened Feb. 5 at the Lansing Mall. Giveaways will continue on the first Saturday of each month until April. Those wishing to donate dresses may do so by dropping them off at Maurer’s Cleaners, 2815 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. Due to concerns with COVID-19, Ever After Opportunities asks that dresses be professionally cleaned at Maurer’s for a discounted price.

Life skills sessions are also available to young ladies through the organization. Classes include: Beginner’s knitting, financial planning, cooking, resume writing, etiquette, CPR and beginner’s car maintenance. After the classes are completed, participants get to pick out a professional outfit and apply for scholarships. The scholarships are available to assist with college or trade school costs. 

Community mentoring is offered after completion of the classes to help transition the young ladies into womanhood and into the workforce. Classes have been temporarily paused, but are expected to resume in March. Bolden says they are looking at expanding these classes, as well as exploring the options of offering eyelash and hair classes.

Through a partnership with Michigan State University, Ever After Opportunities will be offering free tutoring services to youth. Tutoring will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday nights in the Lansing Mall. The program returns Monday (Feb. 21) and Tuesday (Feb. 22). 

Transportation assistance will also soon be available on CATA buses to young people.

Bolden said she has seen a decrease in volunteers with the pandemic. 

“A lot of people have not volunteered,” she said, referring to in-person events like the dress giveaways. 

She wants community members and volunteers to know that they are taking precautions at the dress giveaways. Only five people are allowed in at a time, and masks are required at every event. 

Bolden added her organization is still looking for volunteers to help with the dress giveaways. Volunteers must fill out an application and complete a COVID-19 questionnaire. Anyone wishing to volunteer may call Bolden directly at (517) 894-3733, through the nonprofit’s Facebook page, or just by coming into the Lansing Mall on the event days with a valid ID and filling out paperwork.

Ever After Opportunities

Located within Lansing Mall

everafteropportunities.org

(517) 894-3733