Since its inception in 2017, Belle and Sparrows has been a source of hope to marginalized women both locally and globally. This ministry and nonprofit organization is deeply committed to serving and equipping women, a mission that lies at the core of everything they do. The challenges posed by the pandemic in 2019 and 2020 led to a pivotal transformation for Belle and Sparrows. Unable to carry out their usual activities, they innovatively responded by launching Belle and Sparrows Candle, a boutique line of hand-poured candles crafted by women overcoming significant adversities and rebuilding their lives.  This initiative marked a significant step in empowering women, particularly through the partnerships they have with a residential programs in Collin and Dallas counties.

Maria, one of the beneficiaries of this program, exemplifies the transformative impact of Belle and Sparrows. After graduating from the residential program, she accepted a position as the organization's first candle-maker. Reflecting on her journey, Maria shared, "Belle and Sparrows has meant so much to me, like bringing me out of my comfort zone. Being part of a team that is there for you emotionally and physically and showing you the Love of God has helped me grow." Her story sheds light to the difference that emotional and physical support can make, enhancing her confidence and self-esteem when others might have focused on her background and overlooked her potential.

In addition to Maria, Belle and Sparrows has provided employment opportunities to several women coming out of homelessness, incarceration, addiction, and domestic violence. Since launching, 4 years of part time employment and encouragement have been provided while instilling the truths that all women possess a true and intrinsic beauty and are worthy of dignity, love, respect and a better future.

Belle and Sparrows Candles have become a favorite to their followers and can be routinely found around town at different pop-up events. Each season introduces three new limited-edition scents, while core scents remain available year-round. The organization’s innovative Private Label program has seen hundreds of candles crafted for local businesses, contributing to the sale of over 7,000 candles to date. Through these efforts, Belle and Sparrows and the women they empower continue to radiate hope and resilience, ensuring their presence in the community for years to come.

For more information and to purchase candles please visit: belleandsparrows.org/shop

Belle and Sparrows is a by-women-for-women non-profit that reaches women both locally and globally. We stand in the gap for marginalized women around the world by:

• Teaching them skills for economic sustainability
•  Providing encouragement as they brave the struggles of addiction and/or incarceration
•  Helping them overcome the trauma of being trafficked or escaping the sex trade industry
• Helping them find their worth after exiting an abusive relationship
• Sharing a Bible study, time of prayer, and sharing of testimonies. 

Co-Founder, Lynde Griggs, says "To date, I have been blessed to have traveled to 8 countries on 15 different trips sharing the love of Jesus and seeing lives given to the Lord. It was in 2016, after leading [a women's] short-term mission trip to Guatemala that the Lord impressed upon me to start an all-women's mission organization. I am beyond ecstatic about Belle and Sparrows. I am certain the Lord has used my ten years on a church staff in both student and women's ministries, my need for Jesus, and my desire for him to be known as a catalyst for Belle and Sparrows. Empowering women to know their own worth and to share the love of Christ with other women is the heart of who we are and what we do. To God be the glory!"

Many women in our community/nation/world are facing insurmountable odds to not only keep their families together but to do that in a way that is uplifting and not demeaning. Our teams actively come alongside these women to lift them up and help them with the support and skills they need while also sharing with them about the redeeming love of Christ! 

There are many opportunities to serve & volunteer with Belle & Sparrows. We go every other month to Exodus, a residential program for ex-offenders to re-invent themselves by developing life and money management skills, becoming employed, starting a savings account, and most importantly – becoming a positive influence for their children to make correct life choices. We also go to Emily's Place, which provides long-term housing that is critical for helping domestic violence survivors permanently escape abuse. Check our website for more information on ways you can partner with Belle & Sparrows through mission trips, local service opportunities, and office volunteers.

https://www.belleandsparrows.org/

If you would like to make a donation or become a monthly partner, click the link below. We can't do what we do and help women around the world without financial support!

 https://www.belleandsparrows.org/give

Founded in 2017, Belle & Sparrows is a McKinney-based 'women serving women' non-profit that empowers, trains and employs at-risk and under-resourced women locally and globally. Our vision is a future where all women will lead a healthy, fulfilling life of self-reliance and dignity. Women will only realize their God-given potential when they know that they are worthy to receive it, and we want to help women hear that message.

Our approach is two-fold: serve & equip. First, we bring teams that actively come alongside to support, serve, and empower women locally partnering with existing ministries. Skills training and small business kits are brought to women in Guatemala and New Mexico so that they can begin earning income for their families. Second, we provide paid job skills training and employment to local women who are rebuilding their lives after incarceration, abuse, addiction, and homelessness as candlemakers.

The Stella Projects Candles are a boutique line of small-batch, hand-poured candles made by the women in our program. The women are given supplemental employment while they are rebuilding their lives, going to school, or trying to make ends meet. To date, we have provided over 2 years of part-time employment to several women with over 3,000 candles sold to date. Web sales, pop-ups, retail partnerships, private labels, and corporate partnerships have been responsible for growth.

We have many areas that you can volunteer and/or serve in. Visit our website & volunteer site for all opportunities.

https://www.belleandsparrows.org/

https://www.betterunite.com/belleandsparrows-volunteeropportunities

Dust off your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and scoot on over to The Backyard Venue for a night of Boot Scooting, BBQ, and Brews! Boots & Belles is one of our most popular events of the year, and rightly so. We have 2 professional dancers who teach line dancing - and don't worry about your skills! Everyone is on the dance floor having the best time.

This year, Boots & Belles will be held at The Backyard Venue in McKinney. The outside is beautiful and rustic, while the 2,000 SF barn is the perfect backdrop for dancing the night away!

Tickets to this event are $50 per person. You or your business can also be a Sponsor for this event, which holds many advantages while financially supporting Belle & Sparrows. Your registration includes an amazing BBQ dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, and dancing. It's sure to be a night to remember!

This is a major fundraiser for Belle & Sparrows and we hope to see you on the dance floor!

For more information & tickets visit our website: https://www.belleandsparrows.org/events/2021/5/22/boots-amp-belles-we736

On March 27, 2023, Belle & Sparrows is holding their 5th Annual Birdies for Belles Golf Tournament at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, Texas. This is a charity fundraiser and tax deductible, and your donation helps us further our ministry by building a long-term partnership with women around the world offering them economic sustainability. Funds raised by this event go to supporting our local candle program through The Stella Projects. We offer supplemental income to women coming out of various recovery programs, as well as job skills training and experience. Our mission is to stand in the gap for marginalized women, share the message of the gospel and let them know they are WORTHY!

Your day at Birdies for Belles includes a grab & go lunch, a keg & on-course beverage cart, raffle items, fun throughout the course, super ticket bonuses, and a cocktail & appetizer post-tournament award ceremony. Registration begins at 11:30 am and you tee off at 12:30 pm.

How can you get involved? Become a SPONSOR! This is a great way for your business to give back to the community & promote your name and services. You can visit our website for all of the sponsorship levels, or you can email: Lynde@belleandsparrows.org for a Sponsorship Packet.

 Registration is also open for individuals & teams through the link above. See you on the green!

https://www.betterunite.com/belleandsparrows-birdiesforbelles2023

https://www.belleandsparrows.org/