“What do you ASPIRE to be?” That was often asked of the girls who were part of an after school leadership program at Susan B Anthony. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, some may say teachers or veterinarians, dancers or lawyers. While helping them think about their future education including college and career goals, the main focus of the program was on ways they can be leaders at school, at home and in their community, which will ultimately affect their future!
“What are your strengths?” “What does it mean to be a role model on campus?” “How do you respond to people who are rude?” “How do you introduce yourself and greet new people?” “How can you make a difference in your world?” Those are just a few questions that were addressed.
This past year these girls also had the opportunity to help at the school carnival, volunteer and serve at campus events; they planted flowers in the school atrium, helped make posters to hang on campus, and decorated for special events.
A couple highlights of the year for the girls were a field trip to Break the Barriers and an end of the year celebration dinner.
At Break the Barriers they learned that each one of us has both abilities and disabilities. They watched veterans practice archery (one of whom was legally blind and another did not have use of his arms). They were also able to watch the Junior Barrier Breaker team practice for an upcoming performance. The girls were amazed at the ABILITIES of children who did NOT have both legs, or who used a wheel chair to get around. They left with a new awareness and better understanding of how God has gifted each of us with different strengths and abilities.
At the end of the year the girls gathered for a special celebration, working in teams to prepare dinner which included salad, fruit kabobs and brownies. They also made place cards and set a beautiful table. When the dinner was prepared they all ate together. Special guests were Principal Joy Nunes, and ENP Executive Director, Artie Padilla.
In a period of 8 months they became a family and it was hard to see the 6th graders graduate and move on.
Several ladies help lead this program and have found it so very rewarding to be part of these young girls’ lives. Michelle Walter said, “Working with the Aspire girls makes my heart smile and brings joy and blessings to my life that I could never have imagined.” The volunteer leaders would all tell you that they give their time, but get SO much in return.
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Fresno Unified Mentoring Department has established programs at the high school and middle school level with Mens and Young Mens Alliance. ENP worked closely with FUSD this past year to help integrate programs at the elementary level with “Boys to Men” and “Girl Power”. The curriculum is provided by Fresno Unified with volunteers from our partnership churches leading programs at four elementary schools: Kirk, Slater, Olmos and Kratt. We would love to see more partnerships involved in this valuable group mentoring opportunity.
When we invest time in our youth, the return on investment is HUGE!
