New director works to restore funds to Girls, Inc.

By Lori O' Brien

Correspondent

HOLYOKE Paper and pens were strewn about as girls from the Girls Making A Difference (GMAD) program at Girls Inc. of Holyoke were putting the finishing touches on their letters to Governor-elect Deval Patrick on the evening of Dec. 7.

Just recently, the agency has felt the sting of Gov. Mitt Romney's 9C cuts which has taken $50,000 of Youth-at-Risk Funding that supported the teen center on Dwight Street, according to Suzanne Parker, the new executive director of Girls Inc. Parker officially started her role on Nov. 1.

Girls Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital, educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas.

"Ensuring that these and other vital programs have the financial support needed to continue to provide the much-needed services will be one of my biggest challenges," said Parker during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Parker explained that the drop-in space at the teen center provides a "safe haven" for the many teens who come on a daily basis and is important for teenage girls in particular who are at risk for pregnancy, HIV, and other social problems.

"We will be working very hard over the next few months to make sure that this vital resource remains open and available to the community," she added. "The girls we serve live in communities that have alarming rates of poverty, teen pregnancy, HIV infection, and gang violence."

Parker noted that Girls Inc. provides year-round comprehensive youth development and leadership programming for girls ages five to 18.

"In our after-school programs we provide year-round fun that includes sports, academic enrichment, health and life skills, field trips and creative arts," said Parker. "Our youth development programs, including leadership training, academic tutoring, peer mediation and mentoring use cutting edge and research-based curriculums that are proven to get results."

Since GMAD is a peer leadership program for girls between the ages of 12 to 15 in the Jarvis Heights area, the idea of a letter-writing campaign to Gov.-elect Patrick sparked a great interest with the girls who also use the teen center on a regular basis. Their letters were straight to the point and, at times, heart wrenching and eye-opening.

For Stephanie Cruz, 13, the teen center is important to her because if she has any problems she can "talk it out" with the girls and the adults plus "it's fun."

A recurring theme throughout several of the letters also reinforced the teen center being a safe place for young people to learn.

"The teen center is important to me because you get to learn," said Nicole Vazquez, 11.

Her sentiments were echoed by Yasteleen Berrios, 14, who added "instead of hanging out in the streets we have a safe nice place to hang out with our friends."

Taneisha Rivera was blunt in her assessment of why the teen center should stay open.

"It keeps people off the street," she said.

Zaily Garcia, 14, said she comes to the program because "it's the only place that I know of that is safe to me."

For other GMAD participants who have spent countless hours at the teen center, there are memorable days that will last a lifetime. For Shaniece Kennedy, 13, graduating from Hermanas in Power (HIP) was "a day that I will never forget." Kennedy explained in her letter that the support she received from family and friends has left an indelible mark on her. HIP is a year-long program focused on youth organizing for girls, ages 12 to 15, who commit to making a difference in Holyoke.

For Linny Son, 16, the teen center is a "great place to get advice from adults and to find resources for many topics. If the teen center closes down I would be devastated," said Son. "Many teens have a lot of memories here. I think the teen center has affected many teens' lives ever since it has opened. It sure has affected mine."

Cynthia Kennedy, 15, had reiterated all these thoughts in her letter but summed it up with "I like that we are all like a family."

Parker was impressed with the girls' commitment to helping the teen center and said this was one of the reasons she was drawn to the position.

"First and foremost, I was struck by the mission of Girls Inc. of Holyoke to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold," said Parker. "After I learned more about the range of programs that Girls Inc. provides and had an opportunity to meet some of the girls, the staff, and the Board members, I was hooked."

It has certainly been a roller coaster ride for Parker since she took the helm less than two months ago but she looks forward to the challenge.

"My first priority has been to learn as much as I can about Girls Inc., the girls we serve, and the community to ensure that our programs continue to meet the changing needs of girls," said Parker.

Parker noted that one of the larger future goals of the organization is to build a new facility to house the Girls Inc. programs.

"I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the staff and the community to ensure that the organization has a solid foundation on which to build the future of Girls Inc.," she said. "When people hear about the work that we do and the difference we make in the lives of girls, many reach out and find ways to support our efforts."

Each year, Girls Inc. of Holyoke serves approximately 130 girls with weekly academic support and homework help, and has matched more than 300 girls with one-to-one mentors.

"We also have our 400 members in our teen center and train over 175 girls in comprehensive health education," said Parker. "Through education and outreach, our girls reach hundreds of young people annually with workshops that they design and facilitate themselves."

Parker added that more than 150 volunteers inspire girls annually by contributing their time and talent to Girls Inc.

"I have been so impressed with the long-time volunteers and supporters who we have at Girls Inc.," she said. "From volunteers who have been mentoring with the program for over seven years, to students from the local colleges who volunteer, to community members who have helped the organization financially as well as with their time and energy since its inception, Girls Inc. has wonderful supporters."

Having support of a national organization allows Girls Inc. of Holyoke to provide research-based, proven programs that make a difference in the lives of girls, added Parker.

For persons interested in more information on the organization, as well as volunteer and mentoring opportunities, call (413) 532-6247 or visit www.girlsincholyoke.org.