Joint Press Release:
Stella’s Girls Inc.
St. Mary’s County Health Department
LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 31, 2023) – Stella’s Girls and the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) have partnered to launch a youth mentoring program at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, located at 21625 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. The program begins February 7, 2023 and will continue every Monday and Wednesday from 3:00-5:00 pm. Stella’s Girls Mentoring Programs address the needs of youth from 8 to 24 years old, with an emphasis on black youth, providing a framework for mentees to discover and understand their individual brilliance.
The mission of the mentorship program is to provide youth with a firm structural foundation that will enhance their self-esteem, academic achievement, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. This in turn will provide them with the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually and be prepared to take an active role in their success as they face the challenges of the world. Using evidence-based mentorship techniques, the trained volunteer mentors teach leadership skills, self-empowerment, and self-esteem while affirming gender equality for generations to come.
“According to Mentor.org, one in three young people grow up without a mentor, a clear indicator of America’s mentoring gap,” said Kaprece James, Founder and CEO of Stella’s Girls. “Stella’s Girls’ mission, in the mentoring movement, is to educate and empower all youth through investment in programs that ensure every young person has at least one trusting relationship with an adult or peer mentor in their life.”
“Mentoring youth as they navigate the challenges of childhood and teen years helps to build resiliency, mental well-being, and important life skills,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Having a healthy, positive relationship with an adult mentor can also be a key factor in preventing youth drug misuse and addiction.”
To apply to be an adult mentor with Stella’s Girls, click here. To apply to join the program as a mentee between the ages of 8 and 24, click here.
To learn more about services and programs offered at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, visit smchd.org/hub.
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