Go girls presentation web

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel

…One Child at a Time!

Making a Difference …


Go Girls Mentoring (GG)

• Healthy Minds! Healthy Bodies

• 8-10 girls ages 11-14 are mentored by 2 female volunteers ages18-25

• Meet two hours a week for 7 sessions over a 7-10 week period on school property

• Encourages physical activity, balanced eating and positive self-image


Go Girls Program History

Program created by OPHEA in 2001 Trillium provided funding for 3 years and the

program was piloted with several municipal recreation programs in addition to BBBS agencies.

BBBSC purchased program in 2006 2007 Peel piloted first Go Girls program Currently piloting a similar program for Boys


Program Overview

• Work with both school boards

• Currently 223 children registered in 29 schools across Peel Region

• BBBSP coordinates and manages volunteer recruitment, screening, matching and monitoring

• School Boards identify children

• Caseworkers provide volunteer support


Program Objectives

• To enhance competence, confidence and self esteem of girls and young women

• To support participants in choosing to maintain a healthy active lifestyle

• To provide participants the tools and information they need to make positive decisions and maintain a healthy lifestyle

• To build leadership and life skills of volunteer mentors and students


Program CurriculumEach session structured around three themes of

active living, balanced eating and feeling good about oneself. Girls write in weekly journals.

Week 1: Setting the SceneWeek 2: Developing Positive Group DynamicsWeek 3: Understanding influences on GirlsWeek 4: Towards a New MeWeek 5: Taking ControlWeek 6: Setting Goals and Making DecisionsWeek 7: Celebrating our Successes


Volunteering – Getting Started

• Volunteers must be 18-25 years old to mentor• Complete following forms:

– Program Application - different from Development application

– Police Check – Confidentiality Agreement– Submit references by employer, family and character

• In person interview takes place that lasts approximately 1.5 hours

– Talk about personal history, matching process and next steps

• Process typically takes up to 2 months but dependant on Police Check


Volunteering – Training

– Volunteers receive Child Safety & Go Girls training ( full-day Saturday )

Go Girls Training – Introduce mentors to curriculum, activities and

group dynamics– Provide guidance on how to handle

challenging situations and how to adapt the program to the girls rather than forcing the girls to fit the program

– Training is co-facilitated with past Go Girls mentors who share past experiences


Participant Recruitment

• Group Development critical to the program

• Girls in Grades 7 & 8 of pre-selected schools watch DVD

• Caseworker talks about the program

• Girls identified through – self selection – recommendations from guidance counselors

• Try to balance the group


Go Girls Testimonial

The girls all seem to have benefited from the program. I noticed two girls in particular made profound changes.

One girl was a bit of a bully in the beginning and tended to be a bit intolerant of the other girls. However by the end I could see a definite improvement in her interpersonal skills and the way she treated others. I also think she gained a better understanding of herself.

Another girl was painfully shy and I am happy to report that she has completely blossomed, has established new relationships and learned to speak up!

Teacher


Testimonials from Girls

“I did enjoy my time at Go Girls because it helps me express my feelings.”

“I learned to like myself no matter what anybody says. This program taught me things that I will carry for a long time.”

“If I ever get the chance to be a mentor I totally would because it made an impact on me. I want to help people think different in a good way.”


Program Costs and Structure

• Program costs approximately $127,900

• Expenses include:– Salary for one part-time caseworker– Volunteer screening & training costs– Occupancy Costs - Office Space, Computer

Equipment, Program Marketing– Program Supplies and Materials


Program Needs - Volunteers

• High turnover of volunteers because of life changes happening with age group

• Currently recruiting from post-secondary schools (UTM, Sheridan and Humber)

• Employers who employ youth aged 18-15


Program Needs – In-Kind

• Healthy Snacks – grocery cards

• Mentor Manuals - $100 each

• Girls Journals - $10 each

• Stereo System for each location

• Treasure Chests – arts & crafts, skipping ropes, rubber chickens, yoga mats, sports bag


How you Can Help

• Do you know a young female age 18-24 who would like to be a mentor

• Do you know a company that may be able to donate items for the activity box or snacks

• Do you know a company that would like to sponsor a group

Documents

Go girls presentation web