Students Trained in “Circles for Girls” Facilitation

In early spring the CDR trained a dozen Missouri State students to facilitate “Circles for Girls.” Circles for Girls groups are provided for middle-school-aged girls in several Springfield Public Schools as part of a pilot program funded and supported by the CDR. Each 8-week circle group brings together 8-10 girls to learn and share, with each week focusing on a different topic related to the girls’ well-being, such as healthy relationships, communication and conflict, and self image.

The students taking part in the training learned to facilitate “talking circles,” and several later assisted with the facilitation of the circles taking place in the public schools. The CDR will apply for grant funding to expand this pilot program in the schools next fall, offering additional opportunities for students to gain valuable experience by learning the circle process and working with youth while providing a valuable service to at-risk children in Springfield middle schools.

Networks for Girls Title-II grant renewed for second year

We are thrilled to announce that that our Title-II grant funding the Networks for Girls program has been renewed for a second year! This $51,000 grant provides funds so that the CDR can offer the Networks for Girls program, which provides family group conferencing and a Girls Circle group for young women in Greene County who are facing behavioral issues (including juvenile offending, status offenses, truancy, etc.) and struggling with communication and conflict issues in the home.

Youth in the program first take part in a family group conference, facilitated by program volunteers, where they can discuss their behavior with supportive family and community members and develop an “action plan” to address the harm caused and avoid future problems. Next girls take part in an 8-week educational support group called “Girls Circle,” which offers a fund, supportive learning environment where they can connect with other girls and use authentic voices to explore issues such as relationships, communication, body image, and more. Finally the girls come back together with their family for a final family group conference to celebrate their successes and “tweak” their actions plans, if necessary, so that they can continue to be successful into the future.

The first year of the Title-II grant saw the CDR establish this unique program, and in the second year we are excited to see the program grow! If you, or someone you know, would benefit from the services of this program please don’t hesitate to contact us or read more about the program on our website.