Women’s Resource CenterServing Women and Girls of the Greater

Philadelphia Area Since 1975

Board President – Virginia Bowden

Executive Director– Teresa Wolfgang

Program Director– Angela Marchesani, M.A.

The Women’s Resource Center Mission

• Support Women

• Strengthen Families

• Build Community

Through Information & Referrals, Counseling, Legal

Consultation & Divorce Support, and Educational

Services.

The Chester County Girls’ Leadership Program

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Objective

“To provide girls with the tools and skills known, based on research, to protect against common dangers of adolescence including: Substance abuse, school drop out, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, depression and bullying.”

Overview

• 12 group sessions• 45 minutes, within school day• Participants are selected by guidance counselors based on our criteria

Content Delivery

Training

•Communication

•Conflict Resolution

•Decision Making

•Problem Solving

Observation

•Role Models

•Parent Engagement

•Field Trip

Application

•Leadership Project

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Goals

• 85% of participants will report increased self-esteem, as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory

• 80% of participants will report increased communication with parents or adults at home

• 80% of participants will report increased confidence• 80% of participants will report stronger school ties• 80% of participants will seek leadership or service opportunities

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Outcomes

Measurement Tools

*Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

*Leadership Project

*Self-Report Evaluations

*Parent, Facilitator and Counselor Observations

Reported Results

* Statistically significant increase in self-esteem

*90% report:

-Increased confidence

-Improved communication with

parents

-Increases involvement in school activities

-Intent to seek leadership roles or service opportunities

Observed Changes

* Increased communication at home

*Ease with peer conflicts

*Increase in speaking up or sharing in class and

group

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Leadership Project Example #1

Peirce Middle School: “Remediating Domestic Violence”

• Project goal is, “…to provide intervention, education, outreach, advocacy and programs to prevent, reduce and remedy domestic violence in Chester County, and to empower survivors.”

• Project proposal includes: • 1. Posters created by the GLP group to place at appropriate approved

locations within the school.• 2. Participation in one Morning Announcement segment where

participants can introduce their goals for this project. Through this message, they will encourage student engagement via donations from the student body.

• 3. The placement of a large box at the front entrance area of the school for donation drop off.

• 4. Placement of a notice in the school newspaper/e-letter to reach parents.

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Leadership Project Example #2

Scott Middle School: “Promoting Tolerance”

Project Goal is to, “…establish a school culture where students can express themselves freely without being judged, bullied, or stereotyped.”

Project proposal includes:

1. Creating a movie montage with the premise of, “I Have a Dream.”

2. Screen the movie at assembly or in homerooms

CHESTER COUNTY GLPField Trip Example #1

• Stetson and Peirce Middle School: Citizens’ Bank Park• Panel Discussion with women in leadership positions:

• Leila Graham-Willis, Special Events Manager• Vanessa Mapson, Director of Group Sales• Melissa Maani, Graphic Design Manager• Mary Ann Moyer, Director of Community Initiatives• Kathy Killian, VP of Human Resources and Customer Service

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

Field Trip Example #2

• Phoenixville Area Middle School: Valley Forge National Historic park• Hosted by the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the park’s Superintendent, Kate

Hammond. • Overview of the role of some prominent women in the organization:

• Kate Hammond (Superintendent) • Amy Ruhe (Natural Resource Manager) • Cristina Ramirez (Intern, Student Conservation Association)• Missy Farkouh (Executive Director of Friends of Valley Forge Park)• Dr. Nancy Loane (Author, “Following the Drum- Women at the Valley Forge

Encampment.”)

• Explore opportunities to volunteer with the park• Develop a marketing plan to increase 7th graders’ attendance at the park• Tour the VFNHP grounds

CHESTER COUNTY GLP

The Future of Girls’ Leadership• Increase presence in middle schools

• Launch High School program

Thank You!