Spotlight on Girls: Circles of Support Speakers
At our recent Circles of Support event, we were joined by two Schenectady High School students who have participated in our programs, Mylika Rozier (right) and Shamiah Walker (middle) from Central Park. Both girls expressed surprise at the care and support that they'd found, and they both particularly noted how impressed they were by how the adult volunteers modeled this caring and support for each other as well as the girls at events. Clearly, they'd absorbed these values, like when Mylika opened her speech announcing, "You all look amazing today." In addition, ...
Poem by Shamiah Walker
Shamiah shared this poem at our 2018 Girls' Circle Celebration and at our 2018 Circles of Support Fundraiser.
What some people call my beauty I see as flaws
my curvaceous bootie as a curse
My acne as a blessing and my intelligence as an honor because
people don't see the real you unless you make them so I take my stand
because it's time to awake 'em and show them the real me
I'm not just an hourglass
I'm someone who is smart who struggles to past
I'm someone who loves to be liked and likes to be loved
but they rather see my bottom ...
Reaching Out: Field Trips to Colleges and a Conference
Several 8th grade and high school girls visited Schenectady County Community College in April. They were welcomed by faculty, staff and students with a brief introduction to making connections and exploring possibilities. From there, they were taken on a tour and had opportunities to explore the Culinary, Biotech and Music departments. They were treated to a delicious lunch in the Van Curler Room. They learned about the importance of making great first impressions, etiquette, and the importance of getting an education. They had the opportunity to ask questions of current ...
Spotlight on Girls: Inspiration and Creativity
Words are powerful, and many of our Girls' Circle activities focus on the messages we tell ourselves and each other. We can find inspiration and wisdom from our foremothers, sacred texts, and even pop songs. Recently, some of our high schoolers visited C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios for a morning of creative expression together. Each girl created her own painting to express a message that was inspiring for her. The paintings were almost as beautiful to behold as everyone's smiles! We're so fortunate to have this terrific community resource right in downtown Schenec...
Girls’ Day Out 2017
Circles of Support Fundraiser 2017
At our recent Circles of Support fundraiser, one of our special guests was Marangely Rodriguez, who talked about how what the Girls' Circles program has meant to her.
The folks from Mohawk Honda were kind enough to put together a video of the event, including Marangely's words. Click the image below to view the Facebook video:
Spotlight on Girls: Celebration Dinner 2017
One of our favorite aspects of the spring Girls' Celebration Dinner is displaying some of the girls' favorite craft projects. Here are a few crafts that girls assembled as part of a discussion on healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Some Girls’ Feedback from 2016-2017
Co-Muses Bernadette Cole Slaughter and Laraine Longhurst recently asked their current circle of girls to write down what they've learned from Girls' Circles this year. Answers include:
"To love myself no matter what."
"Always do your best."
"Stay true about myself."
"Express your opinion."
"Be ourselves."
As Girls' Circles wrap up for the year, muses and clinicians will meet to share feedback from the girls and share their own experiences so that we can continue to use our time with the girls as effectively as possible in the future.
Lessons from Girls’ Circles
Co-Muses Bernadette Cole Slaughter and Laraine Longhurst recently asked their current circle of girls to write down what they've learned from Girls' Circles this year. Answers include:
"To love myself no matter what."
"Always do your best."
"Stay true about myself."
"Express your opinion."
"Be ourselves."
As Girls' Circles wrap up for the year, muses and clinicians will meet to share feedback from the girls and share their own experiences so that we can continue to use our time with the girls as effectively as possible in the future.
Learn more ...