SECC launches new program for girls

LEAMINGTON — On Tuesday, April 13, SECC’s Children & Youth Services launched a new program for young girls.

Called Sparkling Stars, this group was developed by Chelsea, a Social Work Student, to empower these girls in a number of ways. Over the course of three days, topics ranged from body image, self-esteem, friendships, reaching out, emotions, and stress.

“The participants were engaged and excited to learn and share during all sessions,” said Program Leader, Vicki Noland. “The intelligence, kindness, and strength of these young girls inspires me as a woman. We are building, raising, and educating very strong girls.”

A screen capture from a recent Sparkling Stars virtual program.

On the final day of the group, they spent time learning about mindfulness and how to use a number of activities to re-route negative self-talk to positive self-love. The girls participated in a number of activities from creating self-portraits, rock paintings, a self-promoting journal, and mindfulness practices.

One parent said, “My daughter is part of this group and she is so happy. You are doing an amazing job.”

United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex County and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are aboard to help to make programs like this possible. SECC is continuing operations of all programs during the lockdown, however, many are operating virtually.