Empower Hour Girls Program

Grateful Post Alert!!! First session of 2022 is in the books and we had 40 girls!! When I started the Empower Hour in Harrisburg, PA years ago four of the biggest challenges were recruiting, transportation, funding and facility. We made it work but I knew we needed to SHIFT. When I moved back to CT we faced the same challenges but we always had a strong TEN. WELP we shifted and have managed to kick those challenges to the curb. Community partnerships are KEY and we have those. We have partnered with organizations that see the value of consistent programming. We go to the mountain instead of trying to move it. We are now in three schools in the and are enjoying every moment. Shifting is not easy but it's necessary for growth. As to sustainability; our strong TEN will become our program directors. I still can't believe they are in high school/graduates now. This is our 4th year doing this. Sometimes growth happens underground!

Volunteering is definitely a little different in the Covid Era but there is still work to be done and we aredefinitely overdue for a community service day. A small group of our teens and tweens volunteered with the Hartford Project today. They assisted the Gardner Farmers Market with handing out information about the North Hartford Community Day that is coming soon l; after lunch they wrote cards of encouragement for an organization that assists survivors of human trafficking. It was such a great day and I am always proud of their efforts. As hot as it was outside they never complained and spoke confidently when educating individuals about the benefits of SNAP when utilized at a Farmers Market!

First session on Advocacy tonight and it was AMAZING! We had an awesome group of six young ladies (the sisters shared a screen lol)and I'm so excited to see what their focus becomes. They are very aware of the disparities they face as young black women in the education system; and awareness is the first step. Stay tuned!