GirlSMART Fall Program Series

Posted by on September 27, 2002

GirlSMART is a fun and interactive family skill-building program for girls ages 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers.GirlSMART was developed by BIG SISTERS of Philadelphia, Inc., soon to become, Girls Incorporated of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, in conjunction with the DHS’ Parenting Collaborative.

GirlSMART is designed to prevent teen substance abuse and other risky behaviors, strengthen parenting skills, enhance communication between girls and their primary caregivers, and build on each family’s strengths.

The GirlSMART program consists of nine (9) weekly workshop sessions, which last about two hours each.Parents and girls meet separately during the first hour, and then come together as a family during the last hour.

Workshop topics include:
For Parents:
Encouraging good behavior; Setting limits and using consequences & Protecting against substance abuse & Handling stress

For Girls:
Handling peer pressure; Dealing with stress;Making good friends; Openly communicating with caregivers

For the Family:
Appreciating family members; Building family communication; Understanding and listening to each other

GirlSMART is free and voluntary! In addition, a delicious family-style dinner is served at the beginning of each workshop session, door prizes and incentives are regularly awarded, and on-site childcare is provided.

Three separate GirlSMART program series this Fall–all will be held from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, in Big Sisters Center City office – 1315 Walnut St. (convenient to public transportation) Wednesday nights beginning October 9th & Monday nights to begin on October 21st. To refer a family, or to find out more about GirlSMART, please contact Jennifer Walker, the GirlSMART Coordinator, at (215) 735-7775 ext. 222 or jwalker@bigsisphil.org.