Banning-Beaumont|Local Event
“Presence Is Powerful” Campaign to Support Young Mothers and Babies
MORENO VALLEY, CA — September 6, 2026 — At just 16 years old, MyLicia is turning compassion into action.
A 2026 Youth Leadership Board member with The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, MyLicia created the Presence Is Powerful Campaign to support young mothers and their babies by helping them feel seen, valued, supported, and treated with dignity.
Her campaign is part of our Local Youth Action Week, September 6–20, 2026. This bicoastal youth-led movement organized by The Hamilton Essentials Foundation Inc., empowers young people to identify community needs and take meaningful action through service, leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy.
A Young Leader With a Powerful Mission
MyLicia believes that sometimes making a difference begins with something simple: showing up.
Through Presence Is Powerful, she is collecting essential items and messages of encouragement for young mothers, including:
- Diapers
- Hygiene and mommy-care items
- New-parent gifts
- Affirmation letters and messages of encouragement
MyLicia introduced her campaign in August during the Foundation’s Changemaker Brunch, a youth-led, intergenerational gathering designed to connect leadership development with community service and advocacy.
Now, during Youth Action Week, she is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to join her effort.
Presence is Powerful because sometimes people just need to know that someone sees them, believes in them, and cares.
Community Partners Help Turn Compassion Into Action
MyLicia’s campaign is being supported through a community partnership with BitterSweet Encounters, whose mission is Supporting Individuals. Strengthening Families. Empowering Communities.
Community members can participate by donating needed items, shopping from MyLicia’s Amazon Wishlist, or writing an encouraging message for a young mother.
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP
Donate: Diapers, hygiene and mommy-care items, and new-parent gifts
Encourage: Write an affirmation letter or message reminding a young mother: “You are not alone.”
Drop-Off Location: BitterSweet Encounters | 1003 E. Cooley Dr., Suite 202 Colton, CA 92324 | Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (909) 639-7005
Additional support: Scan the campaign QR code or shop MyLicia’s Amazon Wishlist.
Youth Leadership in Action
Presence Is Powerful represents the heart of Youth Action Week: young people recognizing a need, developing a solution, and inviting their communities to stand alongside them.
“MyLicia is demonstrating what can happen when young people are given the opportunity, support, and platform to lead,” said Monette Hamilton, Program Director for The Hamilton Essentials Foundation Inc. “Her campaign reminds us that leadership isn’t always about having the loudest voice. Sometimes leadership is simply choosing to show up for someone else.”
Through campaigns like Presence Is Powerful, The Hamilton Essentials continues its commitment to developing young leaders who use compassion, creativity, advocacy, and service to create meaningful community impact.
JOIN MYLICIA
One young leader.One powerful presence.A community showing up—one donation at a time.
Let’s deliver goods for the greater good.
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, Inc.
Youth Action Week: September 6–20, 2026
For media inquiries, interviews, campaign information, or partnership opportunities, contact
Monette Hamilton
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation Inc.
(909) 910-8026