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For girls age 13 – 17 Fresh Start for Women offers the “You are a Precious Jewel” program.  Originally created in 2006 as a half day workshop it has evolved into a 12-week, one day a week program. It may also be presented as a 2-week summer camp. The objective is to provide a supportive environment in which teens feel comfortable in discussing the issue of domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault and its effects on teens. Fresh Start for Women teaches teens how to use the arts (drama, poetry, dance and music) as a means of expressing their concerns in a positive manner. The program is presented in two parts:

Part I:  Self-Respect – the first five sessions focus on the following:

·        Defining You Before Others Do

·        Life In Your World

·        Stop…Do Not Cross

·        Future Me

·        I  Am

Part II:  Teen Speak - These next sessions uses the arts to express lessons learned in Part I. As part of the requirement of part II teens create original works in the following areas:

·        Words Are Powerful

·        A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

·        The Soul Speaks Through Music And Dance

At the end of the program the teens present their original work to family and friends during graduation activities.

A follow-up session is scheduled at 60, 90 and 120 day intervals to gauge the relevance and success of the program for our young charges.  It is the purpose of this program to encourage teens to become vigilant about their education and diligent in their chosen career paths.  Successful “You Are a Precious Jewel” graduates will be the ambassadors and role models for other teens thereby becoming a positive influence in their circle of friends and acquaintances.

 Long-term Fresh Start for Women’s goal is to have a fully staffed teen center in which the “You Are a Precious Jewel” program is the foundation of an expanded ongoing program that incorporates mentoring and other programs to produce a well-rounded and confident young woman.

The first five sessions are available for presentation together or separately upon request. Please complete the Contact Us page to receive additional information.