Boys & Girls Clubs Launches "InfluenceHer: Taking Action for Girls”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill, Pine Bush & Sullivan County announced today it will be piloting a new program called "InfluenceHer: Taking Action for Girls” in the Pine Bush Central School District this school year. The ten-week program, which is designed to promote financial education and emotional wellbeing for middle school girls, will be offered in two sessions, one each at the Crispell and Circleville Middle Schools.
"Young women today are more vulnerable than ever before, and thanks to the Women's Leadership Fund, we'll be able to help shape their futures and promote good decision-making on several different levels,” said boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.
The financial aspect of the program focuses on educating young women about good financial decision-making, as well as how to use their local banks, the dangers of credit cards, and even real-life practice in budgeting. The participants will also take field trips and be paired with a female mentor in the community.
"The best possible preparation for success is a strong positive self-image. In today's economic environment, we are proud to be able to offer this grant to the BGC program,” said Gianna Franco, C o-Chair of the Women's Leadership Fund and Orange County United Way board member.
The emotional wellness portion of the program will concentrate on assisting the young women with forming positive relationships with other young women, as well as developing a positive body image. Boys & Girls Clubs of America's "Smart Moves for Girls” program will also be utilized to educate and encourage the young women to make smart, healthy decisions about their bodies.
The Boys & Girls Clubs has assembled an impressive committee of women from Orange and Sullivan Counties to advise on the development of the curriculum and mentoring program. The Advisory Committee is hosting a luncheon in support of the program at The Eagle's Nest in September.
Hon. Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, who is a member of the InfluenceHer Advisory Committee, stated, "I am proud to be a member of the InfluenceHer committee and look forward to mentoring a young woman myself. This program is going to be very valuable for the young women growing up in our community by balancing the vital need to understand your personal finances, something too many Americans still do not understand, with the inspiration and support of having a successful mentor. I would like to congratulate the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Clubs for concepting and realizing this wonderful new program."
Women of all ages and occupations are invited to participate in the Advisory Committee and/or serve as mentors for the participants. It is important to note that mentors are only expected to give 10-15 hours of their time over the course of the program.
For more information regarding Boys & Girls Clubs or to volunteer for InfluenceHer, please contact the Clubs at 845-361-2222 or
alexis@bgcorange.org