By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
When Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of Jamaica and Haiti, many people watched the news and felt heartbreak. One Manassas middle schooler felt something more. She felt called to act.
Twelve-year-old Stefanie, whose father was born in Jamaica and whose teachers over the years have included many from the island, felt a deep connection to the people affected by the storm. Instead of letting that sadness sit, she turned it into purpose.
She began researching how she could help girls her age and women who were struggling without basic necessities after the hurricane. She reached out to more than 20 companies asking for help with sanitary care kits. Most said no or did not respond. Three said yes. And that was all she needed to start.
Two Trips, Hundreds of Lives Touched
The family’s first trip to Jamaica took place shortly after the hurricane. Stefanie was not able to attend because of a soccer tournament, so her mom, Tara, traveled on her behalf. During that visit, about 200 care kits were distributed, along with donated food, water, and clothing made possible by the organizations Stefanie had contacted.
The second trip happened just days before Christmas, and this time Stefanie was there in person.
With support from partner organizations and donations from family and friends, Stefanie helped organize a workshop for about 30 girls, though more ended up attending. The girls shared their stories, ate together, laughed together, and had time to simply be kids.
Each girl went home with a week’s supply of groceries, sanitary products, a Christmas gift, and a few surprises. The family also distributed about 300 sanitary kits to women and girls in nearby communities and churches, along with toys for children.
For Stefanie, the most powerful part of the experience was not the giving. It was the connection. “The most meaningful moment for me was when the girls started sharing their stories and felt comfortable opening up,” she said. “Even though they went through a lot during the hurricane, they were still smiling and laughing. It made me really happy to see them feel safe and supported.”
Meeting the women and girls in person changed how she saw the entire project. “Meeting them helped me understand that this isn’t just about giving things to people,” Stefanie explained. “It’s about helping girls feel confident, cared for, and not alone. Seeing their reactions made me realize how important this work really is.”
And for other kids who want to help but feel unsure where to begin, her advice is simple and honest. “It’s okay to be nervous and not know everything. You don’t have to start big. I just started by asking questions and trying. If you care about something, you should go for it because you never know how much of a difference you can make.”
A Parent’s Perspective
For Tara, watching her daughter step into leadership and compassion has been both emotional and inspiring. “One moment that stood out to me was watching Stefanie sit and listen as the girls shared their stories,” Tara said. “She wasn’t rushing them or trying to fix anything. She was simply present. That moment showed me how deeply this experience has shaped her compassion.”
Seeing the work unfold from planning to delivery made it clear this was not a one-time project. “Seeing Stefanie take ownership of this project, from reaching out to organizations to helping plan the workshop, showed me that this is more than a one time effort for her,” Tara shared. “She is truly committed and leads with heart and intention.”
And this mission is far from over “My hope is that this work continues to grow and evolve,” Tara said. “This is not over for Stefanie. In many ways, it is just the beginning.”
Continuing the Work at Home
Since returning to Manassas, Stefanie has stayed focused on helping girls closer to home.
She created sanitary kits for her own school and shared them with the school nurse to support students in need. She and her family are also donating additional kits to a local shelter. As a member of the Manassas Woodbridge Jack and Jill chapter, Stefanie is helping prepare and serve hot dinners at the shelter as well.
What started with one young girl asking questions has become an ongoing commitment to kindness, dignity, and service.
And that is the part of this story that matters most.
Not the number of kits.
Not the miles traveled.
But the reminder that leadership, empathy, and action do not have an age requirement.
Sometimes, they just need a brave first step.
Enjoy this? Get more local life ideas every month.
Subscribe to Prince William Living and stay connected to the people and stories that make our community strong: princewilliamliving.com/all-access-membership/
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and CEO of Imagine Design and Marketing. A longtime community advocate and small business owner in Prince William County, she is passionate about sharing positive local stories and highlighting the people who make our region a stronger, kinder place to live. When she is not chasing deadlines, she is usually attending a community event, supporting local nonprofits, or cheering on young leaders who are changing the world one step at a time.