Developmental Support

Educational programs have been added to individual plans and in 2006 Jesse’s House implemented an on-site program called Girls Circle (Girls Circle Association, 2004), which is an established curriculum that provides a strength-based model designed to meet girls where they are in their lives and address a variety of issues through discussion and creative activities. It was designed to foster self-esteem, help girls maintain authentic connection with peers and adult women in their community, counter trends toward self-doubt, and allow for genuine self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activity. Themes are introduced which relate to the girls’ lives such as friendships, mother/daughter relationships, teen drug use and abuse, stress management, body image, dating violence, decision-making, and goal setting, in addition to addressing the specific needs of the female population served. All youth who are served at Jesse’s House participate in the Girls Circle Program.