Parents who want to help their young daughters become more self-confident and better connected with peers and others, may want to consider a new program in town.
The Family Crisis Center (FCC) is coordinating a pilot program called “Girls on the Run.” The after-school curriculum focuses on enhancing social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills.
The FCC is now recruiting girls in grades 3-6 to participate; the goal is between 12 and 20 girls. The cost is estimated to be $25.
“We know how difficult it is to be a pre-teen or teen in today’s world,” said Kylee Graves, FCC executive director. “With the increasing pressure of social-media demands, bullying and mental-health concerns, we searched for a program to empower and encourage girls. That program is Girls on the Run.
“It offers space for girls to connect with others outside of school and hopefully find adults they can trust. We are so grateful to part of this.”
More details
Sessions begin in September and the celebratory 5K run is set for November in Wichita. Classes meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday for eight weeks; the first session starts the program off in The Loft at Grace Community Church.
The first 45 minutes of each class is a lesson for the girls and the last half involves physical activity.
Class themes include: understanding oneself; building healthy relationships; community and teamwork; and goal setting and physical health.
“By empowering girls to build their confidence and navigate life experiences, the program can result in health benefits, enhanced communication skills and more positive relationships,” Graves commented. ”The physical- activity portion of the program teaches interpersonal skills and promotes holistic health outcomes.”
The FCC staff will serve as coaches, while mentors will be volunteers.
“The girls can choose their own mentors,” Graves said. “But if they don’t have a preference, we will gladly pair them up.”
Girls on the Run is an international non-profit organization.
For more information, contact the FCC by calling 620-793-9941.
The FCC serves families in Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties. The 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.
