Sisters Circle
Sisters Circle Provides Girls with Social, Emotional and Academic Support
COVID-19 has impacted social-emotional development for youth at unprecedented levels, increasing mental health challenges for many. In addition, there is growing evidence that some racial and ethnic minority groups are being disproportionally affected by COVID-19.
Baltimore nonprofit Sisters Circle helps these youth, supporting underserved girls socially, emotionally and academically as they navigate the often-challenging middle school years. Starting at the sixth-grade level, it encourages girls to explore their interests, exposing them to new opportunities and building a network of support.
With support from All Points North Foundation, Sisters Circle continues efforts to mitigate long-standing systemic health and social disparities through its year-round program model, including an after-school program that prepares first-year students for one-to-one mentorship through a social-emotional curriculum that focuses on self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills and social awareness.
Funding also supports Sisters Circle’s one-to-one mentoring match program as it continues to adapt during the pandemic, as well as monthly mentor-mentee activities, mentor training and support and summer enrichment experiences. As a result of these efforts, middle grade students will discover they have a voice and they can realize a vision that includes high school graduation, college and career or alternative productive pathways.
Students are safely supported in a web of mentors, teachers, guidance counselors, family members, staff and community partners, and are exposed to academic enrichment; summer camps that challenge their comfort zone; role playing on conflict resolution and Girl Talk sessions where vulnerability is embraced.
Thanks to Sisters Circle, these girls — often prey to urban risk factors such as teen pregnancy, school dropout, and drugs/alcohol abuse — instead find their footing to confidently navigate through major life transitions and move forward with voice and vision.
For more information: www.sisterscircle.org
Photo credit: Sisters Circle and Rebecca Wyatt Photography
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Click Here for All Points North Foundation’s Response to COVID-19
All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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