Who we are

GEMS for Princesses™: Gracefully Embracing My Story

This program was born from the little girl in me — the one who would watch A Little Princess over and over, who loved playing dress-up, layering pearls, and dreaming of tiaras. Being a “girlie girlie” wasn’t just play — it was my safe space, my joy.

But behind the dress-up mirror, life held deep challenges. I experienced childhood and adolescent trauma that no girl should have to carry alone. With an incarcerated father, financial hardship, and years of bullying about my skin tone and height, I struggled with low self-esteem that followed me from middle school into high school.

When it came time for prom, I couldn’t afford the kind of gown I dreamed of. I bought a beautiful emerald green dress from Banana Republic using my Kroger paycheck — and though it wasn’t a prom dress, I wore it proudly. I didn’t want to ask my mother for help. I just made it work.

For over a decade, I’ve carried a quiet promise in my heart:

to bless at least one girl each year with a prom dress she couldn’t otherwise afford.

Now, as a therapist, healer, and designer, I’ve created something bigger — a full-circle experience where girls are not just given a dress, but offered a chance to rediscover their voice, their beauty, and their story.

GEMS for Princesses™

A 32-week creative healing and empowerment program for high school junior and senior girls.

This free, trauma-informed program combines:

  • Group therapy and mental wellness support

  • Journaling, storytelling, and sisterhood-building circles

  • A guided fashion design journey where girls create their own prom dress — from mood board to final stitch

  • Mentorship from BIPOC therapists, creatives, and designers

  • A culminating community Crowning Ceremony, where each girl walks in her own power, in a gown she helped bring to life

Why We Need Your Support

This program is completely free to selected participants — but creating something magical takes resources.

A quality, custom prom gown can cost $600 or more — not including:

  • Fabric, tools, and design supplies

  • Mental health workbooks, journals, and materials

  • Licensed facilitators and trauma-informed professionals

  • Meals, field trips, and creative excursions

  • Photography, event rentals, transportation, and tech support

  • Venue space and production for the final Crowning Ceremony

We’re seeking to raise $25,000 to fund our first cohort — a small but mighty group of girls who will heal, grow, and walk boldly into their next chapter.

Your donation goes directly toward helping a young woman feel seen, celebrated, and crowned. You are investing in her story, her healing, and her future.

From Me to You

If I had a program like this at 17, I would’ve known I wasn’t alone. I would’ve learned how to love myself sooner. I’m building what I wish I had — and I’m asking for your help to offer that same gift to others.

With love and gratitude,

Eugenia Sanford, MA, LPCC

Founder | Therapist | Designer | Survivor

Apply Today

Interested in joining or supporting GEMS for Princesses™?

Girls can apply here, and community members are invited to donate or become a sponsor to help us crown the next generation.