SMART Girls program cSoordinator Isabel Joffrey was raised in New Britain and one of the first female members of the Boys and Girls Club. Joffrey helped develop the program because she saw the need.
 

"I remember when I was young coming here." Joffrey said. "There were no programs like this. It’s a unique program. I would say it’s like a passport to being a young woman."

The program expands on the national SMART program by adding creative writing, fashion design, and dance. This self-awareness program targets girls ages 10 - 16 and helps them to better understand the physical, emotional and social changes they are experiencing during these ages. They are also introduced to better habits of taking care of their bodies.

Newington High School freshman Shayland McLean said the program is good because "we ladies need to know what’s going on.

"I like this program because of the group discussions, we get to find out how each other feels, we get to talk." McLean said. "I have developed a lot of self-awareness. Now I think twice about decisions I make."

Topics rangefrom physical and emotional growth to eating disorders, and media influence and body image. And although the girls meet every day, guest speakers are brought in once each week to present special topics.

Paula Broderick of the YWCA Sexual Crisis Center presented information Wednesday to the girls on female victimization.

"Knowledge is power. It will help you take care of yourself." Broderick said. "Listen to your gut instincts to help you make good choices, and help your friends make good choices."

Providing the resources to make those good choices has been the goal of the the club’s Jason Gibson. He says that the Boys and Girls Club wanted to do their part to help young girls.

"It benefits the girls, and their families." Gibson said. "It’s about prevention -- that’s the key."

Students are bused daily from their schools to the after-school program. It’s open to all girls who are members of the Boys and Girls Club and between the ages of 10 and 16.The program is limited to 15 girls per session. Upon completion of the program the girls participate in a graduation ceremony.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey may be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext 221.