See Jane Do Everyday Women Doing Extraordinary Things
If you ask Jennifer what is one of the key elements to the success of the Friendship Club it is the “Angels” who are mentors to the girls and provide the much needed support and encouragement they need to go on to follow their dreams.
What inspired you to help start the Friendship Club?
“In college I was fortunate enough to spend a Semester at Sea where I was exposed to amazing as well as horrifying experiences. At the end of the voyage everyone was talking about coming back to these countries to make a difference for people in need. While I certainly felt compassion for these challenges, I couldn’t help remember those little girls I knew in Nevada County who were facing a fate, not unlike some of these children, feelings of hopelessness, little to no opportunity, and stuck in cycles of dependency and abuse. I wanted to help in my backyard. I made a decision then that I wanted to be a part of making it happen.”
How are girls selected to participate in the program?
“Their middle school teachers and counselors primarily refer girls to The Friendship Club, but anyone can make a referral. A good fit is a girl who has a challenging situation at home, at school, with friendship or social skills, or all of the above. Referred girls also have a spark; a want to improve their lives, keep on the right track, try new things and receive support.”
What does the program offer?
“We offer a year-round program designed to teach the whole girl. We attend to their academic, social and emotional needs through a variety of programs and services. During the school year girls participate in after-school meetings designed to help them with homework and introduce them to dynamic speakers on a variety of topics. Monthly, girls are invited to participate in field trips designed to introduce them to different career opportunities, interesting places in and out of our community, and sometimes trips just for fun.”
Why are leadership programs like Friendship Club important?
“Girls need a place to shine. We take the whole girl into account, not just her academics or her social skills, but all of her, and we help find ways that she can excel and gain self-confidence. This ultimately impacts her in all areas of her life.”
Why is it so important for these girls to have a mentor?
“When you research anything about successful adults who were children at-risk they will tell you that it was a special person who believed in them, trusted them, encouraged them, listened to them, and gave them opportunities to learn, that helped them out of their dismal situation.”
Why is it important to get involved in local leadership programs like Friendship Club?
“You are the mentors, the educators, the role models that they need. Women who have found their passion and translated it either into their career or hobby, you have the power to introduce a girl to that passion and help her find her own. The one-on-one relationship we seek for our girls augments and compliments everything we do in the program and a perfect situation would find all of our girls matched one-on-one.”
What is your message to women around the world?
“Get involved. Share your gifts, your strength, and your passion with another.”
See Jane Do is a multimedia program capturing the stories of everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet. Catch our one-hour talk radio program on KVMR 89.5FM the first Wednesday of every month from 1-2 p.m.
Get involved !
5 things you can do today to make a difference in a young woman’s life.
- Volunteer – Contact a youth leadership organization like Friendship Club and offer to volunteer for simple tasks like driving or helping with snacks and meals.
- Mentor – Share your time and passion with a girl in need.
- Advocate – Speak out and educate people on the importance of youth leadership organizations.
- Donate – Organizations like Friendship Club rely on grants and donations. Even the smallest contribution has a profound impact.
- Sign Up – Participate in the Friendship Club’s annual Power of the Purse, Thursday, March 11th from 11am to 1pm at the Holiday Inn, Grass Valley. For more info call 530-265-4311 or go to www.friendshipclub.org
