Dozens of SCV teens
take advantage of empowerment workshop hosted by Ferguson Foundation
The
power of positive thinking took on a new meaning for dozens of young women who
attended the Betty Ferguson Foundation’s Mes Amies, “You’ve Got the
Power,” workshops. The day-long event, held at the Hyatt Valencia on Sept. 21, featured
a variety of fun and educational activities geared toward helping high
school-aged girls prepare for the challenges of growing up.
Now in its second year, the event was made possible by a
grant from the City of Santa Clarita. Judy Cox, workshop coordinator for the
event, said the participants enjoyed what the workshops had to offer.
“The preparation went well for the girls workshop and
it turned out to be just fabulous — we all are very excited,” said Cox, a
local psychotherapist, M.A., MFT, who also served as a facilitator
for the event.
Local acting coach, Shauna Hoffman facilitated a
role-playing acting workshop during the afternoon session of the workshops.
The workshop activities consisted of an icebreaker, a
series of worksheets and a collage project to help the girls focus on who they
are, what their goals and values are and tools to develop their own boundaries.
Through Hoffman’s guidance, the participants enjoyed a section of the workshop
where the teens engaged in role-playing and acting out some of the possible
situations young girls face in their daily lives.
A lunch was provided and each participant received their
own “Survival Basket” containing various gift items provided by
local businesses. The purpose of the baskets was to provide a source of comfort
and refreshing, for the girls to incorporate in their lives. A journal was given
to each participant, to encourage the girls to document their challenges,
accomplishments and goals.
A follow-up program, begun shortly after last year’s
workshop, called “Open House", will continue to provide teen-aged girls
with a place to come, once a month, to share current experiences, conflicts and
joys. Teenage girls are invited to join the on-going meetings, held the fourth
Wednesday of each month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Youth With A Voice (YWAV) is sponsored by The Betty
Ferguson Foundation. Their mission is to train, develop and empower women and
youth to be a vital force in society. In addition, YWAV’s mission is to promote
training in leadership while encouraging community service. At the end of the
“You’ve Got the Power,” workshops, the teens enjoyed a raffle drawing and
later shared their testimonials.
“We thank the City of Santa Clarita and the community
for their continue support and encouragement,” Cox said.
