A promising opportunity emerges for parents and guardians seeking pathways to empower their young daughters here in Ottumwa. BIO Girls, the recent recipient of the Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund (BICEF), is set to launch its transformative program on March 18th at the Ottumwa YMCA. Spearheaded by Site Director Deb Mitchell, this initiative promises to redefine the narrative around mental wellness and self-esteem for girls in grades 2-6.
BIO Girls isn’t your ordinary after-school program; it’s a comprehensive journey that intertwines evidence-based mentoring, physical activity, and a specialized curriculum. Its mission is clear: to fortify the self-esteem of young girls through empowerment and service to others. By instilling values of leadership, healthy relationships, and kindness, BIO Girls creates a nurturing environment where girls can flourish during this critical stage of development.
The program’s structure is both supportive and structured, with 12 sessions spanning 90 minutes each. It’s within these sessions that girls find not only camaraderie but also a platform to explore their potential and build lasting friendships. Research underscores the program’s impact: a staggering 7 in 10 participants report significant increases in self-esteem—a testament to the efficacy of BIO Girls’ approach.
With over 10,000 girls across the Midwest having benefited from BIO Girls, Ottumwa now stands at the peak of a transformative journey for its young girls. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their daughters at the BIO Girls website and become part of this empowering community.
In a world where the pressures and challenges facing young girls are manifold, BIO Girls emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a safe place where self-esteem is nurtured, and dreams are encouraged.
If you have innovative ideas and projects that can further enrich our community, we encourage you to submit your proposals today. The deadline for Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund grant applications is February 29th, at 5:00 p.m. Complete your application conveniently online at: https://www.ottumwalegacy.org/for-grantees-scholars/bright-ideas-community-enrichment-fund.
If you have any questions or would like to donate to this program please contact Site Director, Deb Mitchell at ottumwa.ia@biogirls.org or by phone at 641-799-6129
To register, visit the Bio Girls website: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f2aeNP7/4a3TUO5PXF
