Giving Thanks

Well, as the year is winding down and the Polished Girlz reflect on how much each and every one of our clients have touched our lives and the lives of the other volunteers we are proud to have met and cared for some of the most remarkable clients ever.

 They are the kids that often times are not treated the same, or receive the same care free day to day that a lot of children are so privileged to have, but they smile and show love and gratitude for everything that they have been blessed with anyway.

Yesterday we polished {K} at the Down Syndrome Association. This was not the first time that we had the privilege of adding sparkle and shine to Ms {K} but it was the first time that I had ever been approached by her Dad. Such a loving and proud father of few words. He said to me, "you know, I just want to thank you guys for polishing her, I cannot believe that she is now walking around with her hands up just to make sure that the nails dry," and he gave a smile that you could tell meant so much more than a Dad that was happy to see his daughter with half dry pink glitter nails. As I looked over at {K} I realized that not only was she holding up her hands, but she was holding up her chin, looking straight ahead at the glitter and sparkle, and she looked around the room as if to check if anyone else saw her new hands and new smile.
 It was at that moment that the Polished Girlz Organization clicked even more than it ever had before. I was a witness to a young girl holding her hands and her head up for maybe not the first time, but for a really important time, because she was proud and felt beautiful, and that was my Thanksgiving Gift this year.

With Love~

We are all different which make us all exactly the same.

Don't just Sit there Do Something



The Polished Girlz are pleased  and excited to announce that we have been awarded the
 Do Something.org Seed Grant for non profits that are making a difference in their communities! We are so excited about what this award means for us. Not only is there a grant involved that helps with the cost of running a non profit organization but they offer so much additional support for the organizations. They are trying to motivate young people to serve in their communities.
We are honored that they thought that Alanna and the Polished Girlz were a group that they would like to work with and mentor. If you are interested in starting a Polished Girlz Team in your community please email us at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com or if you have a desire to motivate youth to serve for a different cause please check out Do Something.org they are more than willing to help!

~You Go Girlz!

Favorite Nail Designs!

Although there are a huge amount of nail designs that we love we hare gathering a list of some of the designs that we think may just be the coolest for our clients!

        Rule #1      ~Must be fun       Rule #2      ~Must be cool  
                              Rule #3      ~Glitter always helps!






Stay tuned for the 2012 list!

Start A Team

If you are interested in starting a Polished Girlz team in your city please email volunteer services at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com and our support staff will contact you for additional information and orientation schedule.

Thank You for Your Interest!

                                               About Us

The “Polished Girlz” nail team was started by then 10yo Alanna J.Wall.  Born in 2000, Alanna truly is a new millennium girl. She wanted to combine her love of drawing and nail design for different projects and she knew that she was too young to volunteer at most organizations. Nevertheless, Alanna's compassionate spirit made her want to share her talents with young ladies that were hospitalized or not feeling quite as “polished”, so she decided to start her own organization. Add a mission of hand washing, infection reduction, and a few like minded friends, and the “Polished Girlz” were born. Born to Rock, Born to Shine, and Born to Serve!

Fast forward through year one, and what started as a single girl with a dream and her mom, has grown into hundreds of children served and almost 100 registered volunteers and counting! We are excited to continue with Alanna's vision as it spreads throughout the United States and are quite excited to Polish the girls of Ghana West Africa in June 2012, in conjunction with the Brown Learning Center.

The Polished Girlz are available to polish for hospitals, support groups, chemotherapy centers, dialysis centers, and private referred clients. Please feel free to contact us at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com for additional information.

Media

Dayton Daily News -May 2011

WDTN Channel 2  -May 2011

Huber Heights Currier -May 2011

Goddess Girl Magazine -Summer 2011

United Way 2011 Campaign -August 2011

Dayton Daily News -September 2011

Vandalia Drummer Newspaper -September 2011

Buy Dayton -October 2011

New Moon Girls Magazine -November 2011

SoulKissesTv- Web communication article – November 2011

Awards

United Way Volunteer Organization of the Month- June 2011

Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Dayton- May 2011

Khols Kids Who Care Scholarship July 2011

Kids are Heroes award October 2011

Kid of the Week –October 2011

Do Something.org Seed grant recipient – November 2011



Special Needs Organizations

The Polished Girlz serve at varity of communtiy organizations and support groups.It is our pleasure to serve these wonderful girls and teach them about the importance of hand washing. Our goal to "Polish" girls with Special Needs all over the United States and Abroad. We are excited that such a simple act of love can bring such happiness to both the clients that we serve and the youth volunteers that serve them. As an organization, the Polished Girlz seek to empower not only their clients, but their volunteers, by offering them opportunities to improve the quality of life, build invaluable leadership skills, and providing them with opportunities for community service, and most importantly to have our hand washing information reduce hospitalizations and infection rates among girls with special needs. Please contact us at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com for additional information.

 A partial list of organizations that we support and serve include:

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association

Children's Medical Center

United Rehabilitation Services

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Dayton/Cincinnati

Summit Academy

Baby Elijah Fundraising Event

Private Special Needs Client

Donate

Thank you for your interest in donating to the Polished Girlz Organization. The Polished Girlz Organization is a 501c3 which means that your donations are tax deductable. Because this organization is Not for Profit we rely on the kindness and generosity of Community Members, Community Leaders, Kind Hearted Business and above all our wonderful volunteers.

We are proud of every volunteer that has taken the time to serve our clients or send a bottle of nail polish, all of those things are what make this organization work and one is not more than the other.

To make donations of supplies or gift of your  monetary donation, please mail  supplies, check or money order:

C/O

Polished Girlz

Po Box 60293

Dayton, Ohio

45406

To join our group of wonderful volunteers or start a team, please email us at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com or give us a call at 937-559-9605.

Please Join our List of wonderful Corporate Sponsors and Partners and please visit their websites to view their products!

      DoSomething.org         

*2011 Grant Winner!*

Orly Beauty
Deborah Lippmann

 OPI

Caboodles

 Stephanie Johnson

Aarons

 Jewelry for a Cause

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in the Polished Girlz Organization.

If you would like to contact us for any reason please feel free to email us at polishedgirlz@yahoo.com and someone will respond promptly.

A Polished Party

Today we polished for the beautiful Girls of the Down Syndrome Association Happy Halloween Party. We polish for them every month, and every month we are excited about what stories our girls have, how well they are doing in school and how amazing their lives are. You see they have special needs but they are just as special if not more special than every other child that I have ever met. They had the coolest costumes ever, from Perfect Princess, to a Polished Pirate, a little ladybug, and a baby Buckeye (Go Ohio!)
I am grateful to Alanna for starting this organization to teach us all about caring for people that we would not have ever expected to meet, to care for and to love. I would like to think that these girls are just a chance encounter on life's road but I know that each and everyone of them will be a part of our lives forever. We went on a cruise and had to miss the month of August, while at sea Alanna remarked, "what about our girls, they will be waiting on us." The funny thing is that I felt the same way.
 You see, all my adult life I have been paid to be a nurse and I have had a remarkable life as a nurse, but I have never been so rich as working for this organization for free.
Happy Fall, Happy Halloween
~You go Girlz!

A Polished Vision

The Polished Girlz Organization envisions a community in which every special needs youth experiances nurturing on-to-one relationships and peer support through promoting hygeine and nail care, this in turn allows them to develop into their full potential capable of feeling respected, encouraged, and included.
How Polished is that!

Fall into nail Fashion

The Polished Girlz don't just paint nails! They are known for their glitter art, stickers and hand drawn designs. So to get the volunteers motivated for all of our great fall service dates we have decieded to post the coolest in fall nail trends, some may be eady and some may be difficult but they are all "Polished"!

Stay Polished Girlz!

A Polished Mission

The Mission of Polished Girlz Inc is simple because it came from the heart of its now 11 year old founder Alanna something easy to understand and easy to facilitate:
The Mission of the Polished Girlz Inc. is to empower Girls with Special needs or frequent hospitalizations to develop increased self esteem and improve their quality of life by promoting hygiene and self perception.
Handwashing Saves Lives
-You Go Girlz!

A Polished Children's Medical Center

It took a while to put into words the experiance that we had this month at the Children's Medical Center. First, it was such an honor to be there bringing smiles to the patients and their families, but more than that it showed our young volunteers how special their peer to peer support really is. Not often are you able to witness so much care, and love between young strangers and we were so proud of them. I would like to personally thank the Vandaila Butler Varsity Volleyball team!

I know that the Vandalia Butler Varsity volleyball team is used to taking the ball and spiking it, but this past Wednesday their performance as volunteers for the non profit organization Polished Girlz.org let us know that they were a team of true All Stars.

The Polished Girlz organization was founded by 10yo Alanna Wall. Now, 11, Alanna’s teams of volunteers have served close to 300 special needs, and hospital clients, including children in Ohio and Illinois.

The Polished Girlz mission is simple; teach hygiene and hand washing to children with special needs, or that are hospitalized by having their peers polish and create nail art on their nails. This peer to peer support leads to increase self esteem, self perception, and for some very sick children a chance to just feel “normal” like they are hanging out with friends.

Led by Alanna and Vandalia Butler Varsity  Volleyball senior classmen Kyla Nardecchia, Alyssa Ryerse, Whitney Barftknecht and Alisha Rakestraw as well as coach Stacey Whetstone the entire team came out to polish the children at Children’s Medical Center as Polished Girlz volunteers, lifting the spirits of the children and their families.

“We simply could not have done it without all of these girls; they were an active example of everything Alanna hoped the Polished Girlz would become” says Polished Girlz Executive Director Valerie Ragland RN BSN.

 And what did our young founder think when this team of teens came to help her serve, she stated “I feel like they did a great job and they definitely put a sparkle in all of the patients lives today!” Coach Jeff Kreill even stated that the girls were still talking about the event in school the next day and recanted how each time he asked a team member how it went he got a “hand to the heart” and they said how much they loved it.

The entire Polished Girlz family would like to recognize the Vandalia Butler Varsity Volleyball team for their support, dedication and hard work. We could not have done it without them.

To learn more about the Polished Girlz organization or to make a donation please visit our website at www.polishedgirlz.org and be sure to “like” our facebook page which gives detailed accounts of their events and polish schedule for future volunteers. If you have a special needs support group, or are a hospital representative and would like for the Polished Girlz to visit your organization please email polishedgirlz@yahoo.com.

United Way 2011 Campaign

We are so exited  that  Polished Girlz founder Alanna has participated in this years United Way Campaign representing volunteers and the work that all of the Polished Girlz do!

A Polished Thank You

Dear Polished Girlz,

Thank you so very very much for your kind donation of beauty to our MDA Summer Camp. Your generosity,time, and suppport allowed us to provide a truly awesome camp expericance for over 60 children with muscular dystrophy. Thank you again for everything and God Bless.

Jason S.
Health Care Service Coordinator

Beautifully Made

The Polished Girlz have three goals:
 To make Girls with Special needs feel loved, appreciated and respected by their peers.
 To help reduce the spread of germs so that our Girlz remain free from unnecessary hospital admissions, and, To turn our volunteers into tomorrow leaders.
All three of these goals are within our reach if we help our girls to realize that they are wonderfully and beautifully made, worthy to give and have the best of themselves everyday, all day. we are all special so really we are serving ourselves don't let tiles and names keep you from learning what is phenomenal and awesome about every young lady that you meet.
With Love,

Polished Girlz team Chicago & MDA Chicagoland

The Polished Girlz had he pleasure of polishing for the Chicagoland MDA camp! It was our very first camp experience and I must say these girls were amazing. Not only did they greatly appreciate the Polished Girlz visit but we were able to see their talents at work. The Fabulous {A} was able to do the makeup like a Hollywood Celebrity Artist. I was our pleasure to share time with these girls and we look forward to working with them again next year.

There is no better joy than to watch these young volunteers serve their peer and I am so grateful and thankful for them.

Baby Elijah ~ A "Polished" Recovery

Today was a good day!

Baby Elijah the young infant that was critically injured when his family vehicle was struck was a vision of perfect health today. The Polished Girlz were privileged to polish for a special fundraising event for Baby Elijah when he was still in intensive care at Children's Medical Center. It is so awesome to see him smile laugh and experience his new life post accident, with the joy of living at home instead of the hospitals. Elijah we are so very proud of you  and even though you have a long road ahead of you we proud that we could support your family event and that you let us see your beautiful smile.
-How Polished is that!

We Live United by adding Sparkle and Shine

The Polished Girlz founder Alanna Jai Wall interviews with United Way after receiving the Volunteer of the Month Award for June!

June Community Volunteer of the Month

Alanna Wall lives united by putting a sparkle in the lives of others. Volunteer Connection is proud to announce Alanna Wall as the Community Volunteer of the Month.

As the founder of the organization Polished Girlz, Alanna Wall has changed the lives of so many adults and her peers with her creativity, caring heart, and a little glitter. In February 2011 at the age of 10, Alanna decided to get some friends together to do something special for girls with special needs. In the words of Alanna, “glitter makes everything better.” That is exactly what she set out to do - change the lives of others - and thus Polished Girlz was formed.

With the help and tremendous support of her mother, Ms. Valerie Ragland, Polished Girlz began contacting local nonprofit organizations to see if they could cheer up clients by polishing their finger nails. “I was hesitant because the girls were so young,” states Diane Osman from United Rehabilitation Services. Diane took a chance on Alanna, and her team, accompanied by her mother.  What an enormous pleasure the meeting turned out to be for Alanna, the Polished Girlz, and the staff and clients of United Rehabilitation Services!

In February, Alanna set a goal to bring cheer to at least 100 clients by polishing their nails. As of now, the Polished Girlz have already touched the lives of 135 clients with disabilities from various organizations, and she expects to have served 500 clients by the end of 2011. What started earlier this year as a way to do something special for a couple of girls with special needs has transformed into a revelation of what one person can do to change their community and the world. Alanna and the Polished Girlz have already brought sparkle into the lives of the clients and staff from United Rehabilitation Services, The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association, The Wesley Center, Relay for the Cure, The Greater Dayton Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, and private clients with chronic and/or terminal illnesses.

Alanna ensures that the mission and focus of Polished Girlz is centered around building strong leaders and independent thinkers while providing a service that improves the self-perception and quality of life of their clients. With the help of Alanna’s mom, Polished Girlz stresses the importance of washing your hands, and they clean their utensils with the same products as licensed nail technicians. Trainings and orientation for new girls interested in Polished Girlz are held by Alanna and supporters at the K12 Gallery for Young People.

A representative from the Polished Girlz Board Members, Ms. Carmen Bostic, is very excited to be a part of history in the making and such a positive effort. Alanna is such an inspiration to adults as well as her peers with such a spirit of perseverance. She is so dedicated that she volunteered to help with clients at United Rehabilitation Services on her Spring Break from her school, Richard Allen Academy Elementary. Thank you, Alanna, for putting a sparkle in our lives.

United Way’s Volunteer Connection is proud to recognize Alanna Wall as the Community Volunteer of the Month of June.

The Wesley Center~We are all Girlz at Heart

                                               

The "Polished Girlz" founder Alanna Jai Wall with 96 year old Ms Freeman of the Wesley Center.

Last week the Polished Girlz participated in an inter-generational service activity for the Wesley Center. Just being around these remarkable Ladies gave Alanna the opportunity to serve those that have been serving others for so long. 96 year old Ms Freeman said that she had been working since she was 6 years old and to see Alanna serving at such a young age was a "beautiful thing".  The Ladies talked about how they are going to hit the dance floor and go out in nice dresses, all because they got their nails done.
They felt pretty and sharp and were amazed at Alannas creativity and nail art. Some of the Ladies even let Alanna do whatever she wanted, and smiled form ear to ear when they saw her choices, especially when she added the glitter!
Well Ladies I think that we have all been "polished" by this opportunity and we cannot wait to see you again ~ Soon

Down in the Southland- Chicago

Well as you know the Polished Girlz have kicked off Team Chicago and we could not be more proud of our team! This group of young volunteers got right into action with Down in the Southland ,a group that promotes friendships among children with Down Syndrome Chicago area. Please check out their website for more information and any support that this wonderful organization may need!
After a brief introduction and hand washing in service, the girls were treated to classic Polished Girlz service! Nail art with a smile by their peer youth volunteers, and all of the colors, glitters, and nail stickers they could dream of! We all  left there all smiles after having a wonderful time with the girls and we hope to see them again  very soon!
Please remember that handwashing saves lives and although the service of the Polished Girlz Youth nail art Team is nail art and nail painting, the Core of the Polished Girlz organization is spreading the word on how important it is to keep your hands clean and away from your faces to reduce the spread of infection and germs.

A Note of Thanks

               

The Polished Girlz are so thankful for the note of support from former Major Rhine McLin:

Dear Alanna J. Wall;
I read about you receiving a Proclamation for your outstanding vision for having an organization to volunteer. I am so very proud of you, continue your good work in school, family, and community.

Sincerely,
Rhine McLin

The Polished Girlz are Going to Africa!

                                    
Everyday there is something new with this remarkable organization, more clients to serve,  and more volunteers willing to help, but we have never received a request quite like this! The Polished Girlz have been invited Ghana, West Africa!
We will  be Polishing the medically fragile children there, and it will be an experience of a lifetime for volunteers and clients alike.
How many times does such a young organization such as this get to travel around the globe to build a presence and serve such a beautiful people? We hope many, many more!
Parents often ask what is in Alanna's heart that has made her such a giving spirit at such a young age, I don't have a clear answer but I know that in our home service is rewarded and applauded. You are praised just as much for helping someone else as you are for getting good grades and helping yourself. We try to teach her to be selfless and kind but she was born with a heart of gold, we just try to "polish" it from time to time.
We welcome with love, Sue Vickers our Director of Global Affairs.

A Polished Thank You OPI

                                                  
On Monday we received a package like no other from the wonderful company OPI! This gracious donation will allow the Polished Girlz to "polish" over 400 hospitalized or medically fragile children that are unable to share polishes, while giving them the same great style and colors that our other special needs clients enjoy.
 For the Polished Girlz Team, this was the very first major donation that we have ever received and I will tell you we were simply blown away.
OPI not only encouraged our great work by ensuring that we had the supplies needed to complete our service, but they were warm, loving and caring though the entire process. Gabriel {C} at OPI went above and beyond for us and we promise to never let them down.
The Polished Girlz was started initially by Alanna Jai Wall at the age of 10, wanting not only to serve her community, but to encourage emerging young leaders to do the same, and for our clients, they are given peer support and attention while learning the importance of hand washing, self perception, and hygiene.
 It is amazing the simple act of "polishing" someones nails can turn into a life altering event for all involved.
I am so proud of these young volunteers, taking the initiative to serve others and give their vacation time, and holiday time, half school day time, and sometimes even weekend time to brighten someone Else's day.
Thanks to OPI, because of you, we can serve so many more children and it is our pleasure and our honor! We love you OPI.

A Polished Proclamation

"Polished Girlz" help people with special needs: wdtn.com

You are my Sunshine

Enough said, we love you Girlz

Nail Art that the Polished Girlz Cant do {part II}

For your viewing pleasure we have found more virtually impossible nail art techniques that we enjoy even though we will not be trying them out, difficultly level 10

Enjoy~

Nail Art that the Polished Girlz . . . wont do

. . .  mainly because we cant, but we think is super cool anyway!

 Invader Zim

Having a Boy

                 

     

                       

   

                     

Now you volunteers dont get discouraged you will not be asked to test any of these styles to become a Polished Girl!

Until next time~ The Polished Girlz