Newcomer Girls Group
A 15 year old LFS client told us, “Confidence and speaking up is frowned upon for girls in many cultures, so they tend to be shy. Girls need to be able to express themselves. They need to be confident... especially if they’re new.”
Alberta has the fourth highest number of newcomer youth in the country, and for so many of these youth, settling into a new place comes with significant challenges that can become long-term, especially for our newcomer girls.
With limited time to learn English, exist in a culture very different from their own, and gain the skills necessary for employment, newcomer youth are more vulnerable to social isolation, poverty, depression and anxiety, dropping out of high school, unemployment and ongoing challenges to integration.
It is crucial that these youth develop confidence and a positive sense of identity. Our Girls Group program aims to help prepare newcomer females, 10–18 years old, to be active members of their communities and society as a whole by:
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Connecting with their peers (other newcomer youth)
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Engaging in different topic matters such as healthy relationships, nutrition, hygiene and more with items supplied to each youth
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Building communication skills
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Expressing themselves through arts and crafts
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Receiving academic support
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Engaging in a variety of fun and educational field trips
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Receiving assistance with basic needs and supplies
In spaces they feel safe, nurtured, and mentored, our free program for newcomer female youth will run 1:00 pm–4:00 pm every Friday afternoon.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000.
That’s $190 per group session including all supplies.
Who will we help? 50 Newcomer girls ages 10–18 for 52 Fridays throughout the year.
Donate Now
Contact: Michelle Gallucci, Director of Advancement and Communications
Service Location:
1107 – 2 Ave. A North, Lethbridge, AB
Office Hours:
8:30 AM—4:30PM, Monday—Friday
