Project Voice was created in 2026 by Soumia Shah, a sophomore in high school. She has always had a passion for storytelling so wanted to start this nonprofit. You can read more about her and the team here.Â
We want to help young children in homeless shelters find their voices and make their day a little happier through writing and drawing.
My nonprofit is important because children living in shelters deserve more than just their basic needs being met. They also deserve joy, comfort, imagination, and a chance to feel heard. By bringing writing and drawing activities into shelters, we give children a safe way to express their emotions, tell their stories, and find confidence in their own voices. Creativity is especially important in childhood because it helps kids process their experiences, build self-esteem, and imagine possibilities beyond their current situation. Even something as simple as a notebook, crayons, or a storytelling activity can remind a child that their ideas matter and that they are more than what they are going through.