UPCOMING EVENTS!!!
The founing fifty Donor Appreciation reception
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, The IMARA Project will proudly host its first Founding 50 Donor Appreciation Reception, a special evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals, families, and community partners whose early support helped bring our mission to life.
This milestone celebration honors our Founding 50 donors and celebrates the impact their generosity has already made. During the reception, guests will hear the story behind The IMARA Project, reflect on our first year of service, and learn how their investment is helping girls navigate life with confidence through leadership development, mentorship, and educational opportunities.
We are also honored to welcome Ms. Doris Reed, acclaimed poet and author of Tending My Garden. Ms. Reed's poetry has been featured in Essence, Science of the Mind, and Heritage magazines, as well as the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper. She will share an original reading during the evening as we celebrate the power of hope, resilience, and community.
The evening will feature:
Highlights from our inaugural year
Stories of impact from participants and families
Remarks from IMARA leadership
A special poetry reading by Doris Reed, author of Tending My Garden
A look ahead at our vision for the future
Although this is a donor appreciation event, there is still time to become part of the Founding 50. Individuals and organizations who wish to support our mission can make a qualifying gift before the campaign closes and help expand opportunities for the girls and communities we serve.
We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and community partner who has joined us on this journey. Because of your support, The IMARA Project continues to help girls navigate with confidence and build brighter futures.
To learn more about the Founding 50 Campaign or make a contribution:
Helping girls build confidence, access opportunity, and move forward with purpose
We provide mentorship, access, and practical support that helps girls build confidence and take action.
OUR Mission
The IMARA Project exists to empower girls through mentorship, education, and meaningful community support. We are committed to building confidence, resilience, leadership, and life skills by creating safe, encouraging environments where girls feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Through trusted relationships, real-world learning experiences, and strong community connections, we help girls navigate challenges, recognize their potential, and move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence in who they are becoming.
Our Story
Women leaders investing in the next generation
The IMARA Project was founded from a simple but powerful belief: every girl deserves guidance, encouragement, and access to women who will help her see what is possible for her future.
As a women- and veteran-owned organization, The IMARA Project is proudly led by women at every level of leadership, including our Board of Directors and organizational leadership team. Our mentors are women who are deeply rooted in their communities, accomplished in their professions, and passionate about giving back through service, guidance, and meaningful connection.
The vision for The IMARA Project began when our founder recognized a growing need within the High Desert communities for stronger mentorship, positive role models, and supportive spaces designed specifically to help girls build confidence, resilience, and direction. Rather than waiting for change, she chose to help create it.
The IMARA Project brings together women from diverse backgrounds who understand the importance of being seen, supported, and encouraged. Many of our mentors have overcome challenges of their own and now use their experiences, education, leadership, and heart to invest in the next generation.
We are more than a mentorship organization. We are a growing community of women committed to helping girls navigate life with confidence, discover their strengths, and realize they are capable of far more than they may believe.
Imara impact
On July 11, 2026, The IMARA Project proudly hosted its first Girls Leadership & Confidence Workshop in Victorville, California. Sixteen girls came together for an afternoon of leadership, confidence building, creativity, and connection.
Through hands-on activities, vision boards, team challenges, and meaningful discussions, participants explored their strengths, developed leadership skills, and built confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Thanks to our volunteers, donors, and community partners, every participant attended at no cost. Together, we are empowering girls to navigate challenges, pursue their goals, and lead with confidence.
Vision Boards
Girls transformed their dreams into a visual roadmap by creating vision boards that reflected their goals, aspirations, and the future they envision for themselves. This activity encouraged self-reflection, confidence, and the belief that their dreams are achievable with purpose and perseverance.
IMARA girls
Every girl who participates in an IMARA program brings unique talents, dreams, and potential. We are honored to walk alongside them as they build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop the skills to become tomorrow's leaders. Their courage, creativity, and determination inspire everything we do.
Giveaways
Each participant received IMARA giveaways as a reminder that they is part of a community that believes in her potential and is cheering her on every step of the way.
IMARA Parents
Parents are essential partners in our mission. Their trust, encouragement, and support help create opportunities for girls to grow in confidence, leadership, and purpose.
IMARA Team
Our dedicated volunteers and facilitators created a welcoming, supportive environment where every girl felt encouraged to learn, grow, and lead with confidence.
Graduation Celebration
Each participant was recognized with an IMARA Certificate of Completion, celebrating her commitment to personal growth, leadership, and confidence. The ceremony marked not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a future filled with possibility.
Back-to-School
Braids & Confidence
On August 1 and 2, 2026, The IMARA Project hosted its Back-to-School Braids & Confidence event, bringing together volunteers, community partners, and supporters to help girls begin the school year feeling confident, prepared, and celebrated.
At The IMARA Project, we believe confidence begins long before a girl walks into the classroom. Sometimes, it starts with knowing she belongs, feeling cared for, and walking into the first day of school with her head held high.
Our Back-to-School Braids & Confidence event was created with that purpose in mind.
Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, community partners, and supporters, girls received beautiful protective hairstyles, school supplies, and encouragement as they prepared for the new school year. More than a day of braiding, the event was an opportunity to remind every participant that she is valued, capable, and deserving of every opportunity to succeed.
Throughout the day, our volunteers created a welcoming environment where girls and families could connect, laugh, and begin the school year with renewed confidence.
We are especially grateful to Absolutely Lavish Beauty Lounge and the talented braider, Shauna Dortch, who donated her time and expertise to make this event possible. Her kindness and commitment helped ensure each girl left feeling confident, celebrated, and ready for the year ahead.
To everyone who volunteered, donated, partnered with us, or helped spread the word, thank you. Because of your support, girls in our community are beginning the school year knowing they have an entire community cheering them on.
Together, we are helping girls navigate with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
-
We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
-
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
-
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
-
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
-
We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
Current Service Area
The IMARA Project currently serves communities throughout California's High Desert, with a primary focus on Desert Hot Springs, Twentynine Palms, and Victorville.
We are also open to exploring opportunities in other High Desert communities where there is demonstrated interest, community support, and alignment with our mission.
At this time, IMARA's programs are focused on serving communities within the California High Desert region.
IMARA partners with schools, community organizations, youth programs, churches, and local agencies to support and empower girls through mentorship, leadership development, confidence-building, and community-centered programming.
We believe meaningful change happens through strong partnerships and programs that are responsive to the needs of the community. Whether you are interested in hosting a workshop, bringing mentorship opportunities to your organization, collaborating on a community event, or exploring a long-term partnership, we would love to connect.
We May Be Able to Support:
Mentorship and empowerment programs for girls
Leadership and confidence-building workshops
Community events and youth engagement activities
Guest speaking and educational sessions
Collaborative nonprofit and community partnerships
School and community center programming
Volunteer and mentor engagement opportunities
Request Services or Partnership Information
If you are interested in working with The IMARA Project, please complete the form below. Sharing a few details about your organization and needs will help us better understand how we may be able to support your community.
Bring imara to your community!
mentor girls. change lives.
Interested in Volunteering?
The IMARA Project is built on the belief that every girl deserves encouragement, positive role models, and opportunities to grow in confidence and leadership. We are seeking compassionate and dependable volunteers who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of middle and high school girls.
Whether you are a working professional, retiree, college student, military spouse, educator, or community member, there are opportunities to get involved in ways that fit your schedule and strengths.
Volunteer Opportunities
Mentor
Mentors serve as positive role models and trusted sources of encouragement for girls participating in IMARA programs. The goal is not to provide counseling or have all the answers. Rather, mentors help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore possibilities for their future, and navigate challenges with support and encouragement.
Mentors may:
Participate in IMARA workshops, activities, and special events
Share personal experiences, lessons learned, and career insights
Support leadership and life-skills activities
Participate in a brief monthly virtual check-in with participants and program staff
Time Commitment
We understand that volunteers have busy lives. Our mentor program is designed to be meaningful while remaining manageable.
Mentors are asked to commit to:
Approximately 4 - 6 hours per month
Participation in IMARA activities and events as schedules allow
Initial volunteer orientation and training
Other Ways to Volunteer
Event Support
Help with workshops, community events, leadership activities, and special programs.
Typical activities include:
Event setup and breakdown
Registration and check-in
Activity support
Estimated commitment: Flexible. Most events range from 2-5 hours per month.
Community Outreach and Administrative Support
Support IMARA behind the scenes by assisting with:
Fundraising and special events
Community partnerships
Resource development
Administrative projects
Marketing and communications
Estimated commitment: Flexible, typically 2-5 hours per month.
What to Expect
Submit a volunteer interest form.
Participate in a brief conversation with an IMARA team member.
Complete any required background or reference checks.
Complete a volunteer orientation and training.
Begin supporting girls and families through IMARA programs.
Every volunteer helps create a community where girls can develop confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
Interested in Volunteering?
Please complete the form below and tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and how you would like to get involved. A member of The IMARA Project team will follow up with additional information as opportunities become available.
Make an Impact Today
🌟 Become One of The Founding 50! 🌟
The IMARA Project is launching with a special goal: to build our first community of supporters through The Founding 50 Campaign.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help launch mentorship activities, educational resources, leadership opportunities, and community programming for girls in our communities.
The first 50 donors will become part of the foundation of The IMARA Project and help us begin creating meaningful opportunities for girls through mentorship, education, leadership development, and community connection.
We believe every girl deserves guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that help her recognize her value and reach her full potential.
Your support helps us provide:
• mentorship and leadership activities
• educational resources and workshops
• community programs and outreach
• supplies and learning materials
• safe, supportive spaces for growth and connection
How you can support The IMARA Project:
Donate
By giving today, you become part of our Founding 50, the first group of supporters helping launch and shape our mission from the very beginning.
Share
Help spread the word by sharing our mission with friends, family, and your community.
Support the Mission
Whether through partnerships, volunteering, or advocacy, your support helps us continue building a strong foundation for lasting impact.
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a future where girls can navigate life with confidence, resilience, and strength!
Every Founding 50 Supporter Will Receive:
✔ Recognition as a Founding 50 Supporter on our website (with permission)
✔ An official Founding 50 recognition gift
✔ An invitation to our Founding 50 Reception