6 years ago
You can tell a teenager to ?Just Say No? to drugs, but that may not be enough. A proven program in Fairfax County is doing much more.
During the summer, lots of kids go to summer camps. But for those who can't, that empty time can lead to risky behavior. Girl Power is giving hundreds of young teens productive things to do with their time - including the tools to say NO to drugs and alcohol.
The girls aren't just learning how to play tennis. They're learning how to stay away from drugs. It's a summer extension of the Fairfax County after school program called Girl Power. It's for middle school girls between the influential ages of 10 and 15.
?They get more freedom and learn how to make healthy decisions with that free time.?
The girls not only participate in sports, but there is community service, academics and classes on avoiding drugs and violence. And role playing helps them learn how to get out of dangerous situations.
The reason it's for girls is because studies show girls use drugs for different reason than boys do. The number one reason - a lack of self confidence. The program helps build confidence so they have the will power to say no.
Many of the girls come from single parent homes. And when they need another adult to talk to, counselor Kelly Gomes Matthews is there.
?She's like our big sister. We can confide in her.?
Miss Kelly says some of the girls come back after they're moved on to high school to either help mentor the younger girls or get some reinforcement for themselves.
In last year's after school Girl Power program, 600 girls took part at 35 different sites throughout Fairfax County and Falls Church. Evaluations of the program show the girls have lower levels of intent to use drugs. Also, their self esteem levels are high and they've increased their ability to make friends.
Written by Peggy Fox
