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Girls Teen Program The Girls Group Mentoring Program is designed for teens aged 14 and up who are not willing to commit to an individual mentor relationship. All of the girls in the program have been deeply hurt at some point in their life, and carry internal scars and wounds. They have questions and complaints about society, Judaism, and the world itself. The group program provides them with an opportunity to address their issues in the context of a loving, supportive, and mature adult relationship. Being able to express themselves freely allows the teens to develop a trusting relationship with an adult. This relationship leads to the teen being able to consider different life options, and accept advice on making better life choices.
The girls get together in the youth center twice each week, and every other Shabbat for Seudat Shlishit in a home. Activities vary, but always include hanging out and talking, among themselves, and with Amy Gitlin. Conversations vary from catching up on news, to more meaningful conversations about issues, and decisions that need to be made. The atmosphere is one of safety, where the girls are in an all-girl environment, and are having fun in a safe way. Discussions at Seudat Shlishit are more directed, and are led by a Rabbi.
Many of the girls in the program have developed a close relationship with Amy after getting to know her in a group setting. They turn to her for help in their lives when no one else is there for them, whether it is help finding a new school, going to a meeting with the police or a social worker from the social services agency, or being depressed. Once a warm relationship develops, the program includes one-on-one meetings with the girls to talk about what is going on in their lives.
Once per month the group goes on an outing such as swimming or a movie. The girls look forward to these trips very much. In addition to planned trips, sometimes the group spontaneously goes out for ice cream, or burgers, instead of meeting in the moadon. These are usually especially fun and meaningful evenings.
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