Gina

We don’t always associate aggressive behaviour with girls
And yet so many girls in our city suffer from aggressive and anti-social behaviour.  They steal, lie and bully.  They are more likely to suffer from depression and addiction.  They are at higher risk than other girls of school dropout, teen pregnancy and peer violence. 

Just ask Gina
At ten, Gina was already having problems because of her behaviour.  She had been suspended from school several times.  She was rude to teachers and other adults.  She bullied other students and she stole at school and at home.  Although she had friends, they only encouraged negative behaviour.

To make matters worse, Gina’s relationship with her mother was strained and highly volatile.  Gina felt rejected and abandoned by a mother who gave her little support or encouragement. 

Gina was already making choices that were jeopardizing her future.  Like so many other girls, she was struggling. 

Thanks to supporters like you, Gina found the help she needed
Gina was referred to our Girls Connection program by her school social worker.  This is a program specifically for aggressive and anti-social girls (aged 6-11), to help them address their challenges and achieve their goals.  Our main aim is for girls, like Gina, to stay in school and stay out of trouble.

Gina responded well to the structure of the program – something she had never had before.  She showed real effort in the sessions; she set goals and achieved them; she was cooperative and behaved appropriately.  Staff was amazed by her strong commitment to the program and enthusiasm and interest in the sessions. 

It’s been five years since Gina first arrived at Girls Connection
And so many things have changed for her.  She’s still in school, works part-time and volunteers.  Girls Connection taught Gina anger management and problem solving skills that, according to staff, she uses everyday.  She now has the tools to make better choices about her future.

“Gina’s journey has not been easy,” says Gaela Minz, Family and Child Worker.  “But she has worked hard and consistently to improve her behaviour.  Not everything will always go her way, but now she knows where to turn for help instead of reacting inappropriately.”

Now Gina volunteers to help other girls who are struggling
Gina uses the lessons and the tools she learned at Girls Connection in her volunteer work.  As a volunteer Leader in Training, she works as a mentor to young girls in the program, helping them identify and reach their goals. 

“Gina is a role model in a way that, as staff, we can’t be,” says Gaela.  “Girls entering the program today see girls like Gina – girls like themselves - who have overcome challenges and changed their lives for the better.  That’s a very powerful example.”