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

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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.

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE

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

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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

"Katie" show producers to help Alternatives for Girls fulfill holiday wish list

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Katie CouricDetroit, get ready to give. Producers from Katie Couric’s show “Katie” will be in town on Monday, Nov. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. at my alma mater Wayne State University. They are working to help my fav organization Alternatives for Girls fulfill wish lists for its program participants and shelter residents.

The show is asking Wayne State students, employees and Detroiter’s to adopt one girl’s holiday wish list for $30, or to make another donation to the organization. The WSU community will come together for a pep rally type gathering to support the effort.

Alternatives for Girls is looking for new items for women and children, including:

Sleepwear
Bras and Panties
Jeans/Pants
Shirts
Sweaters
Jackets
Hats, scarfs and mittens
Winter coats
Snow pants
Socks
Winter boots
Duffle Bags/Suit cases
Books
Writing Journals and pens
Board Games
Children’s Toys
Watches/Earrings/Purses
Bath and Body sets
Bath towel sets

Alternative for Girl’s mission is to help homeless and high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, and help them to explore and access the support, resources and opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong and to make positive choices in their lives. The inspiration for Alternatives For Girls came in 1985 when a group of southwest Detroit residents, clergy and business people began to share concerns about the alarming increase in drug use, homelessness, prostitution and street activity among girls and young women. Originally a small, volunteer-run program, operating a five-bed emergency shelter in a neighborhood church, AFG has evolved into a multi-service agency with over 50 employees.

 

 

October is National Bullying Prevention & Awareness Month

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Anti BullyingIt is estimated that more than half of all American teenagers witness bullying at least once a day in school. An estimated 1.6 million kids in grades 6-12 are bullied once a week.

Chances are you know a young person who has been a victim of bullying. Chances are you know a young person who’s witnessed bullying. Chances are you know a young person who has been a perpetrator of bullying.

This October, as the nation observes National Bullying Prevention Month, Empowered Flower Girl asks that you take time to talk with the young people in your lives. More importantly, take time to listen.

Bullies and their victims have something in common – they both are dealing with some sort of pain. They both need someone to listen to their challenges, struggles, aspirations and hopes. Listening can empower victims and transform perpetrators.

The question is: How will you be the change in a young person’s life? Join Empowered Flower Girl in being an advocate for youth.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for events, resources and tips for empowering youth, schools and communities. For more information about our workshops and programs, visitwww.empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0334. 

 

Cyberbullying prevention starts at home

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Reported incidences cyberbullying are all too common in the Digital Age. Even kindergartners have access to a world of information in the palm of their hands thanks to smartphones and other mobile devices.

While schools and communities across the nation are implementing programs to curb in-school and online harassment, prevention ultimately starts at home.

With the increase in bullycides and bullying-related illnesses over the years, parents should be aware of and engaged in their children’s online activities.

Tweens and teens may consider it snooping, but Rasheda Kamaria, Empowered Flower Girl CEO, considers it conscious parenting.

“Informed parents are better able to help their children identify safe spaces online and avoid those that are potentially harmful,” she said.

Knowing which social networks and electronic communications tools are out there and which ones your children are actively engaging in is the first step. A study from Wayne State University’s College of Nursing, which surveyed nearly 400 metro Detroit youth ages 10 to 18, found that on average, youth spend two hours a day online and send 189 text messages. Additionally, some youth reported having up to 25 email accounts.

Jemica Carter, Ph.D., who co-authored the WSU study with associate professor Feleta Wilson, Ph.D., recommends parents get tech savvy.

“Some parents are unintentionally unaware of their children’s online patterns because they may not have access to the same technology or have challenges using it. Many community organizations and libraries offer free or low-cost computer and social media training for adults,” she said. “Education is the first line of prevention.”

The following are additional tips to help parents prevent and address cyberbullying:

Ask questions. Take an active role by inquiring about your child’s relationships with peers on and off line.  Most children won’t volunteer the information. Parents should ask specific, preferably open-ended questions to get their children to open up.

Host a tech-free family night. Ditch the cell phones, laptops and tablets for dinner and conversation. For some teens, talking face-to-face may seem old-fashioned but it’s a great way for families to connect. It also reduces the temptation to go online.

Be a role model. Parents are their children’s first teacher and play an important role in influencing appropriate online behavior. Parents should be conscious of what they’re posting on social networks and make an extra effort to use technology responsibly.

Overall, the entire community – parents, schools, community groups, faith-based organizations – play an important role in preventing and ending cyberbullying.

Empowered Flower Girl facilitates Chica Chat at "I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul" conference

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria will present the Chica Chat workshop to more than 75 girls and young women ages 11-18 attending the “I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul” women’s conference on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Wayne State University in Detroit.

The conference, hosted by Super Woman Productions & Publishing, is  family oriented and focuses on relevant issues that young women face in society. Moms and dads alike are asked to attend with their daughters.

“The purpose of the event is to educate and motivate women to live healthier lives; socially, financially and physically, beginning at a younger age. This conference will be the first of its kind,” said Super Woman CEO Angela T. Jones.”

“I Feel Good” features workshops covering topics such as self esteem, wellness, entrepreneurship, dating violence prevention and social networking etiquette. There will be giveaways, entertainment and a vendor fair.

For more information or to register, visit the official “I Feel Good” conference website.

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}


My mentoring success story

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl
Jordan and I during an outing to Greenfield Village

Meeting your mentee and her family for the first time can be an intimidating experience.  You conjure up all kinds of scenarios in your head – a disgruntled kid, who is resistant or a suspicious parent, who questions your every move. These circumstances may play out like a drama in your mind’s eye. Thankfully, none of those happened for me. In fact, my experience was the opposite.

It’s been four years since I was introduced to my mentee Jordan. To this day, we’re still learning from each other. She’s an inquisitive, mature and friendly 12 year old. Being a mentor is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had since graduating college. Interestingly enough, I became a mentor for Alternatives for Girls during my senior year at Wayne State University.

Jordan’s mom Carmelita had this to say about our mentor/mentee relationship:

Jordan and I four years ago at our first group outing

“Having a mentor has introduced Jordan to different activities and experiences. She’s grown so much because of it. You all have done things together that I haven’t had the opportunity to do because of my unpredictable work schedule,” she says. “She looks at you like a big sister. She’s always excited and looks forward to the next meeting.”

Still not sure about mentoring?

Here are a few insights that may help you:

– You don’t have to be rich or famous or have super powers. Honestly, you don’t even have to be employed to be a good mentor. Kids just want to know you care.

– Most youth seeking mentors are good kids. While some youth may come from troubled backgrounds, many of them come from stable home environments. They may have challenges in school or socially. All children are different. Get to know them.

– If you have a big heart and a little time, then you’re a great candidate. Sometimes, a phone call is all it takes to make a difference.

When you feel inspired to pay it forward, consider donating your time to a young person. Visit www.mentoring.org for additional resources.

 

Girls learn art of self-expression during Community Chica Chat

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

When asked what’s the most important lesson learned during the Thursday, June 13th Community Chica Chat, one confident 13 year old said “don’t be afraid to express yourself.”

That was one of the goals of the two-hour workshop facilitated by Empowered Flower Girl CEO and Founder Rasheda Kamaria.

“Chica Chat is all about promoting sisterhood while empowering girls’ self expression, uniqueness and personal power,” said Kamaria, who founded the social enterprise in 2010. “The cyberbullying, drama and cliques are just the side effect of a bigger issue – the lack of communication skills and tools.”

Nearly 25 girls participated in the workshop held in partnership with Detroit Parent Network. Earlier this year, Kamaria received a $2,100 grant to support Empowered Flower Girl and its workshops/programs.

In addition to the Community Chica Chat, Empowered Flower Girl has hosted two workshops at Capstone Academy, a program for adjudicated adolescent girls ages 12-19.

On Aug. 17, Kamaria will facilitate a mini Chica Chat as part of the “I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul” women’s conference.

For more information about the event visit www.superwomanproductions.com.

Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl’s workshops and programs at www.empoweredflowergirl.com.

Images courtesy of Bontisha Rose Photography

 

 

New online magazine, ColorBlind, profiles Empowered Flower Girl CEO

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl’s Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams is profiled in a recent ColorBlind magazine feature story.

ColorBlind, a new online magazine devoted to celebrating and recognizing the beauty and strength of minority teen girls and women, published the article May 9, 2013.

Editor Veronica Grandison spoke with Williams about her experiences as a mentor.

Excerpt:

(Williams) found her calling as a mentor for Alternatives for Girls, a Detroit based organization that provides services for homeless and high-risk girls and young women. She is currently mentoring a 12 year- old girl from the organization and has been mentoring her since she was nine.

 The idea of starting Empowered Flower Girls sprang from parents asking Williams for advice on how to deal with their children being bullied. She also wanted to help out her mentees and nieces, who were struggling with bullying.

 View the full article here.