Rita
Like many of the children we help, Rita had an early history of trauma. Severe neglect as a young child led to problems forming and maintaining relationships with her family and her peers. She had problems controlling her anger and this led to trouble at school and at home. At eleven, Rita was already on the road to early school dropout.
The Girls Connection taught Rita ways to manage her anger and to make better choices about her future. Rita made considerable progress, even making her first friends. But it was the LIT program that had the biggest impact on improving her behaviour and motivation.
“Becoming a leader was a turning point for Rita,” says Erin Rajca, Coordinator of the Girls Connection program. “She always knew she had something to offer. But because of her behaviour, she was always overlooked. The LIT program at Camp Wimodausis gave her a real chance to participate and succeed.”
“Leaders In Training are role models for the other children. They’re mentors who have struggled with similar problems, overcome these challenges and changed their lives.”
Rita, a young woman who once found it difficult to even interact with others, is now leading groups and experiencing success. She continues to work hard to solve her problems and make a brighter future for herself.