YWCA Malden Center For Women and Families

CONTACT:

54 Washington Street
Malden, MA 02148
(781) 322-3760 ext 11
www.maldenywca.org

Laureen Scibinico

DESCRIPTION:

What makes a leader? Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity. That’s the idea behind the YWCA Malden Girls in Action program. Developed in 1996, the program provides leadership opportunities for girls aged 12 and up, many of whom live in high-risk households and neighborhoods affected by substance abuse, violence, and family stress.

The key to the program’s success is its focus on activities that reflect girls’ strengths and interests. Participants organize community events, serve on the YWCA teen board, work as peer educators on health issues, and produce media and art projects. They develop self-confidence and team-building skills through outdoor adventure programs, and explore careers through a career mentoring program. The program also offers a computer lab, with four workstations that girls use to do homework, college research, and website development.

“Girls in Action” is empowering 75 girls of diverse ethnic backgrounds from throughout Malden to discover their leadership potential. In recognition of its success, the program has received a number of awards, including the Excellence in Multi-Culturalism Award from the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Excellence in Youth Programming Award from the Malden Redevelopment Authority.

(2000: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)