Editor’s note: This article was a finalist for the America Inspired Contest, which celebrated extraordinary people making a difference across the United States. We invite you to read about these amazing people.

We all fall down in life. Some fall harder than others. There are many women that fall between the cracks. Lost and forgotten from the rest of the world because of abuse, drug use, or mental illness. These women aren't any less of a woman because of their struggles. They need the same fundamentals in life as everyone else. Obviously necessities like food and water are important, but what about self-esteem? What about normal life skills to become a productive person in the society? Former model, Breanna Sage is someone who thought outside of the box, followed her passion and realized women in shelters deserved more. In February of 2007, her senior year at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, Breanna started Project Lipstick.

Project Lipstick is a non-profit organization that provides women in shelters a day of beauty and knowledge through seminars, make overs from professional makeup artists, and free beauty products in the NYC area. Sage says "I've always been obsessed with beauty products and have always been involved with charities my entire life". The idea of Project Lipstick came when she wasn't sure what she wanted to do after college, but knew she wanted to create a lasting impact on peoples lives and still work in the beauty industry. It was a concept that hadn't been done at the time. "I knew shelters gave woman basic things like soap and shampoo, but I wanted to provide products that would give the ladies a self-esteem boost and a feeling of luxury. I know how makeup makes me feel good and knew it would do the same for the woman at the shelters", she explained. After moving back to New York City she started making contacts. The earlier days of the organization provided shelters with cosmetics from beauty sponsors, but then in time, Breanna added the component of make overs and later career training seminars. "Many of the ladies have never had anyone tell them they are beautiful or even had human touch."Sage sadly explains.

Project Lipstick now has big name sponsors like New Beauty Magazine, Elizabeth Arden and Jouer. Recently added to the program's curriculum is breast exams and annual pap smear education at the shelters. Sage exclaimed "I never knew it would get to be this big!". This past July the organization had "The Sunset Soiree", which was its most successful fund-raiser to date. In April of 2011 a New Jersey Chapter of Project Lipstick was started in Bergen County. Sage and her team have future plans to keep growing, so that her program can reach more women. Finding more sponsorships and bringing in more volunteers is her biggest mission. When asked, what's the most important thing you have learned about yourself through Project Lipstick? Breanna said " I started this to help other woman. I was always a person of the arts and very creative, but never knew I could become a business woman. Running Project Lipstick is like running a business. I have learned to be independent and that I now know I am a powerful woman. I have found myself while trying to help women find themselves."

To learn more, donate or get involved with Project Lipstick click here or like them on Facebook.