Program Descriptions Empowering Relationships, Inc. (ERI) was founded in 2006 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of disenfranchised young women in the Central Valley. Our mission is to provide empowering programs to girls between the ages of 8-18 that serve as foundational stepping-stones to assist them in making positive choices in life. Many of the young people currently involved in our programs are in families, neighborhoods, and economic situations considered “at-risk.” According to the Coalition for Children, Inc. and Sherryll Kraizer, Ph.D., youth who are at risk are identified as a child of an alcohol or substance abuser; is a victim of physical, sexual or psychological abuse; has dropped out of school; is economically disadvantaged; has committed a violent or delinquent act; has experienced mental health problems; or has attempted suicide. (http://www.safechild.org/reach.htm, 1996-2008, Youth At Risk) We work directly with girls who fit this description, who are involved in gangs, come from the foster care system, have one or more parents in prison, are raised by their grandparents, are on drugs, and engaging in promiscuous sexual behavior. Our programs have three central goals: to promote self-advocacy by building healthy self-esteem; develop effective leaders because we believe everyone has leadership potential; and to make decorum, dignity, and decency a life commitment. Our programming approach is to implement all goals to effectively inspire participants to live healthy and productive lives. Our programs also focus on the intellectual, psychological, and psychosocial needs of girls catering to their emotional and social needs for overall healthy development. Phenomenal Transitions: A behavior modification program A 12-week life skills program for at-risk or court-involved girls that introduces concepts such as: integrity, courage and responsibility to assist girls in becoming accountable. The program educates parents and girls on issues to encourage building healthy relationships; identification of responsibility, boundaries, sexuality, HIV, substance abuse, stress and goal setting. Each week will provide education on at-risk behaviors, psychosocial make-up of girls, while providing alternative behavior skills. This program will enable girls to begin to make decisions beyond their peer group using creative activities and more. GEMS (Girls Empowering Monthly Sessions) A monthly program with emphasis on empowerment, self-advocacy and leadership. This program is a preventive program to assist girls with finding their own voice within peer groups and the community through socialization and setting goals. Girls will learn to evaluate choices and identify at-risk behaviors while building healthy self-esteem and learning leadership skills. Girls will participate in creative activities and meet new friends. This preventive program promotes critical thinking and challenges girls to aspire for greatness!Gene Se Gene Se Qua: Decorum for Girls This course is designed to coach young girls into becoming young women. The course is an instructional guide for young girls, understand the necessary development of dignity and character while creating personal style. The course covers various topics to enhance sensitive, yet significant subject matters such as hygiene as a young woman, manners (enriching what has already been taught), and recognizing the importance of proper etiquette and proper application. This 12-week social-graces program will provide the foundation for today’s young woman. Good G.U.R.L.Z. (Gifted, unique, remarkable, leaders, zealous)
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