Empowered Flower Girl to celebrate National Mentoring Month during Jan. 25 event

MentorUSpicDETROIT – In honor of National Mentoring Month in January, Empowered Flower Girl LLC will host a celebration and networking event for youth advocates and other adults interested in empowering children.

The Mentoring Month Mix & Mingle, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at D:hive, 1253 Woodward Ave., is free and open to the public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

– Mix and mingle with other youth advocates, mentors and people who care about children.
– Learn about local mentoring organizations and opportunities to make a difference.
– Hear from “Mentor Me!” author Paula Dirkes, who will lead a fun and interactive exercise.
– Meet experts who will demystify what it means to be a mentor.
– Have fun exploring the “D” and learning about cool things to do in the city.

Rasheda Kamaria, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl, encourages adults of all backgrounds to consider mentoring.

“Women, men, college students, entrepreneurs, single professionals, stay-at-home parents and everyday people all have something to offer young people,” says Kamaria, who has mentored six girls since 2001. “Sometimes we underestimate ourselves and think that we’re not successful enough or cool enough to have an impact. But all it takes is a big heart and a little time to be the change in a young person’s life.

For more information or to RSVP, visit www.mentormixandmingle.eventbrite.com. Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl’s “Be the Change. Be a Mentor” campaign at www.empoweredflowergirl.com/mentor-month.

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Get (mentally) fit for 2014: Resolve to stress less and enjoy life more

boredomMillions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions centered on health and fitness. Whether it’s smoking cessation, losing weight or getting physically active, wellness often is at the top of the list. But how many will resolve to be mentally fit? According to statistics, not many.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that only 38% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive needed treatment.

Mental health treatment is often underutilized, with patients reluctant to seek services. Barriers range from costs (treatments not covered by insurance) to stigma (fear of discrimination or embarrassment).

But help is available. The following are tips from Empowered Flower Girl to help you get your mind right for 2014:

Join a support group. Many community centers and houses of worship offer free group support for individuals coping with loss or addiction.

Eliminate negativity. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our health is eliminate frenemies. Research has shown that ambivalent friends can adversely impact physical and mental health.

Schedule an appointment with a therapist. If you feel you can no longer handle stress or if you’re concerned that you may be depressed, consider professional help. Psychology Today offers an online survey to help you determine the steps in your path to emotional wellness.

A Year in Review: Empowered Flower Girl immersed in the community

For Empowered Flower Girl, 2013 has been an eventful and inspiring year. Over the past 11 months, EFG has had the honor of facilitating workshops and programs throughout southeastern Michigan and Lansing. Approximately 225 girls and women participated in our Chica Chat and Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood workshops.

Thanks to Detroit SOUP, we were able to offer Chica Chats to a diverse group of girls and young women, including teenagers struggling with challenging behaviors and addictions. Over the summer, we partnered with Detroit Parent Network to host the first Community Chica Chat.

We also celebrated our three-year anniversary with friends, family and supporters, including Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins.

I’d like to thank everyone who attended an event, recommended us to a friend, “liked” us on social media or sent positive energy. Your support helps us help girls and young women live POWERfully.

Empowered Flower Girl’s reach and impact in 2013:

Workshops

Hazel Park Middle School of Hazel Park, Mich.
Reach Academy of Roseville, Mich.
Serenity Program at Capstone Academy
Family Literacy Night, Detroit Parent Network
I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul Women’s Conference
I am Woman Expo
Parenting Awareness Michigan Conference
Women’s Weekend at Citadel of Praise

Media

Girl’s Life Magazine
Black America Web
Tenacity Radio
C and G News
ColorBlind Magazine
BLAC Magazine
Metro Parent Magazine
CBS Detroit