HOPE is a 12-month program that prepares girls ages 7-18 to meet the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of high-quality activities and learning experiences that help them to achieve social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Girls participate in 1:1 mentoring, community service, and enrichment activities as they gain the ability to lead themselves and others on a course of action. They also gain the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-confidence and self-esteem to pursue and achieve their goals.
The young ladies are divided into three groups according to age and grade level as follows:
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Beginnings - Ages 6 - 10 All girls need a healthy B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. start in life. As they begin their journey to adolescence, IAB provides these girls with a strong, B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. foundation so they enter adolescence with a healthy self-image and self- confidence. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Bridges - Ages 11 - 14 - Middle school is a bridge from girlhood to young adulthood. It is time of transition and rapid physical development that leaves many girls with bruised emotions and diminished esteem as their bodies, emotions, and relationships begin to change. IAB nurtures young ladies through this volatile life stage so they feel accepted and worthwhile and then emerge as vibrant, confident, and assured young ladies. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Beacons - Ages 15 - 18 - Young ladies in high school are searching for independence and identity. Their personal needs and priorities are the basis for goals their set for their lives. They are ready to explore and prepare for future careers and roles. IAB supports these young ladies in discovering their potential and serving as a beacon to other young ladies, the Beginnings and Bridges young ladies. The young ladies will occasionally gather as one large group to participate in community service activities. The program calendar has the most up-to-date information.
HOPE Mentoring will helps girls:
Make decisions and set goals, keep motivated and focused on her goals. Improve in school. Nurture her confidence and self?esteem. Listen to her and help her solve her problems. Introduce her to new ideas, activities, and opportunities. Prepare her for college or other training. Explore career possibilities. Meet successful people. Learn how to get a job, buy a car, and apply for school tuition assistance.
Description
A HOPE Mentor is a caring adult who provides a young person with a special, encouraging relationship that will hopefully become a foundation of success for the young person as she navigates through adolescence. A HOPE Mentor participates in training to learn essential skills and processes to help build a girl's self-esteem, help her become a stronger leader, and help her achieve her goals. HOPE Mentors understand they are to support the girl, not parent, judge, or control her life. Mentors undergo a comprehensive screening process: application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks. Mentors also complete initial and ongoing training on effective mentoring practices. Mentors commit to at least a one-year mentoring experience; attend IAB events with their mentee; initiate at least two contacts per month (one contact should be in-person). Mentors focus on social, academic, career, and life skills as appropriate for the age of the girl.
