Nikita Stewart se ve své práci zaměřuje na sociální služby a chudobu a pronikavě zkoumá životy těch, kteří se potýkají s nepřízní osudu. Její psaní osvětluje těžkosti a triumfy lidí, kteří čelí systémovým výzvám, přičemž se zaměřuje na lidskou odolnost tváří v tvář nepřízni osudu. Stewartova dovednost spočívá v přinášení empatických a detailních portrétů, které čtenářům umožňují pochopit hluboké dopady společenských problémů. Její zprávy a díla podtrhují sílu komunity a naděje i v těch nejnáročnějších prostředích.
The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World
Focusing on empowerment and resilience, this true story chronicles the establishment of the first Girl Scout troop created by and for girls residing in a Queens shelter. It highlights their transformative journey and the remarkable nationwide movement it inspired, showcasing themes of community, support, and the impact of youth leadership.
Giselle Burgess, a young mother of five, becomes the driving force behind Troop 6000, a Girl Scout troop formed in a shelter to help girls, including her daughters, escape the stigma of homelessness. With a background in the Girl Scouts, Giselle recognized the need for a supportive community where these girls could develop skills and pride. New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart spent over a year with Troop 6000 during the height of New York City's homelessness crisis in 2017, documenting the girls' and families' journeys through both triumphs and hardships. Readers connect deeply with Giselle's family and others, sharing in their joy when a family secures a permanent home and feeling the weight of their daily struggles. The excitement builds as the girls sell their first cookies, showcasing resilience and determination. Stewart highlights how shared experiences of poverty galvanized the creation of Troop 6000, which expanded from one shelter to fifteen across New York City and beyond. The narrative also explores the history of the Girl Scouts, illustrating the organization's evolution to meet the diverse needs of girls. Ultimately, this story emphasizes the power of community and togetherness in overcoming challenges and finding joy amidst adversity.