A new program to empower and improve self-esteem among adolescent girls in Niagara Falls has been awarded a $4,000 grant by the WNY Women's Foundation.
Titled "Empowering Niagara's Women of the Future," the new program will provide qualifying health home participants from 10 to 17 years of age with vital life and decision-making skills to help them remain in school, earn a high school diploma, advance to higher education, remain drug and alcohol free, maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay clear of the criminal justice system.
"This innovative program will combine the resources of our Children's Health Home with an experienced professional to meet the unique needs of adolescent girls who may have experienced homelessness, or come from broken homes or other very challenging settings," said Memorial Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Sheila K. Kee. "Thanks to the support of the WNY Women's Foundation, they will have an opportunity to learn the skills they need to overcome such challenges and remain on track to lead successful lives."
The empowerment program will consist of group sessions offered to two age groups - 10 to 13 and 14 to 17 years old - beginning this fall. Working with Children's Health Home care coordinators, a licensed mental health professional will facilitate the groups, which will feature peer discussion and interaction centered on topics relevant to their ages and background. Those topics will include self-trust, friendships, body image, sexuality, substance abuse, decision-making and interpersonal skills.
"Participants will be able to share their struggles, discuss their challenges, and hear from women who have overcome similar hurdles on the way to achieving their goals," said Kee.
