 Scholarships Awarded to Five Young Ladies
by Jasmine Harris, JIW Alumna
 Empowerment Resources, Inc. celebrated the accomplishments of 35 young ladies in the Journey Into Womanhood program and awarded more than $2,500 in scholarships to five recent high school graduates. Themed Our Cultivation: A journey of culture, sophistication and education, more than 200 people attended to support the young ladies participating in the rites of passage program.
The Journey Into Womanhood (JIW) program helps girls ages 9-17 cultivate their self-awareness and develop leadership skills. It puts them on the path to positively impact the communities in which they live through workshops, enrichment trips and community service projects.
L to r: Charla Hamilton, Jessica Polote, Kaila White, Jasmine Flournoy and Monique Young
 | This year's five graduates received scholarships to further their education.
Charla Hamilton is a graduate of Viera High School where she earned college credits at Brevard Community College through dual enrollment classes. Hamilton plans to transfer to the University of North Florida or the University of Florida where she will major in nursing as a junior in the fall of 2011.
Jasmine Flournoy is a graduate of First Coast High School, where she was an A/B honor roll student. Flournoy will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in the fall. She plans to major in business and later become an entrepreneur.
Jessica Polote is a graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Polote plans to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville where she will obtain an associate's degree and later transfer to the University of Central Florida to major in speech pathology.
Kaila White is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she was a part of the National Honor Society. White will attend the University of Central Florida and study to become a physician assistant. She also plans to minor in finance.
Monique Young is a graduate of First Coast High School. Her interests include track and field, school chorus and student council. She plans to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville and later transfer to a Florida university.
L to r: Angela Spears, Mistress of Ceremonies and keynote speakers William "CJ" Charlton and Dr. Eboni Baugh |
In addition to the scholarships, JIW members showcased their talents and leadership skills to proud parents and banquet attendees. "This year's theme of cultivation was in line with this exceptional group of program participants as well as the five graduates who have had over three years of growth with our JIW program," said Elexia Coleman-Moss, Founder and Executive Director of Empowerment Resources, Inc. "It has been a wonderful experience watching them grow and blossom into beautiful young women."
Photography services provided by Greg Miller Photography |
Register for the 2010-2011 JIW Program
Journey Into Womanhood registration for the 2010-2011 school year will begin July 19. Please visit www.empowermentresourcesinc.org for updates or call (904) 268-8287.
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JIW Alumna Spotlight Iva Ballou, one of the first JIW alumna to graduate from college
The last four years of my life have been a blessing and a great privilege. Howard University was always my dream school, and I am proud to say, that the dream that I turned into reality never failed me. Howard University took a little girl from Jacksonville, Florida into its arms and heart. After four great years, many tears, several phone calls home to mom, thousands of dollars spent on plane tickets home and countless others ups and downs, it has produced a head strong determined woman who is ready to take the world on. With my Bachelor of Health Science degree, I plan on furthering my education by attending grad school to fulfill my longtime dream of being a doctor of physical therapy.
It's so funny how the things you learned as a child come into practice as an adult. One of the lessons I learned through JIW that helped me as a college student was banking, budgeting and money management. Especially after you get that $35.00 overdraft fee and your mother, who even 700 miles away has the power to put the fear of God in you, tells you this better not happen again. Yes, the things I learned growing up and from JIW helped me navigate my way through DC, school and life.
Thank you to JIW and especially Mrs. Elexia, for all her support, love and guidance through the years. |
JIW Volunteers Make A Difference by Kayla Norris, 4th year JIW
Where would Einstein be without science? Where would Dr. Michael Eric Dyson be without words, and where would Journey Into Womanhood (JIW) be without the volunteers who make the program thrive? While JIW focuses on young ladies in the community, who will lead the journey? The volunteers who come to every meeting and the volunteers who connect the loose ends behind the scenes are nothing short of amazing and deserve recognition of the time and support they give on a regular basis. As a JIW member, entering my fourth year, volunteers such as Mrs. Elexia, Mrs. Sylvia, Ms. Cherise, Ms. Angela, Ms. Renee, and many others have reached out and made a difference in my life. They not only give me guidance, they also give me constructive criticism that I need to become an amazing woman. The volunteers put themselves in a position to help us, and always keep our best interest at heart. Who else would be there to give us a hug during a hard time, and even share a random burst of laughter when we talk about our college road trip to Tampa. Could a program be successful without those who volunteer their skills to pull up the curtain and allow for a good show? Ms. Angela, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Toni, Ms.Daphne, and Ms. Traci, just a few who keep running the show from behind the scenes.
These are the people who help us to continue to move forward, who innovate ideas and make the moves to allow our success to continue and thrive! Where would we be without the countless business and advisory council meetings held by these courageous few, and where would we be without their countless hours on the clock? After all, volunteering isn't exactly a nine to five type of job. Before and after regular hours, their dedication has never withered.
I ask you again, where would JIW be without volunteers? I would have to say, we would be further away from the greatness we are heading for.
If you were to ask me to describe the volunteers in one word, I would simply tell you that is impossible. They are too amazing for one word.
Be a Volunteer
You can make a difference in the lives of youth and families in our community. Ms. Norris' testimonial is proof that volunteers are valued and appreciated. Empowerment Resources is looking for a few good volunteers for the 2010-2011 program year. To learn more about volunteer opportunities visit empowermentresourecesinc.org or call (904) 268-8287. |
Stay Connected to Empowerment Resources 24/7
Empowerment Resources is using the power of social media to spread the word about its empowering programs. Need a quick JIW program fix? Follow us on Twitter. If you want the inside scoop on Empowerment Resources, visit us on Facebook. And, if you want read about what the JIW participants have to say, read our new blog. You can access our blog by visiting www.empowermentresourcesinc.org. Read our first blog entry by Ashley Irven, a third year JIW member, as she shares her thoughts about the Sixth Annual Journey Into Womanhood Celebration and Banquet.
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About Empowerment Resources, Inc.
Since 2002, Empowerment Resources, Inc., a private 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, has empowered more than 500 youth and adults in Duval and surrounding counties through its signature programs, Journey Into Womanhood, Life Skills Workshops and Parenting Education Seminars and Coaching. Our programs help meet the needs of the community by exposing families to valuable community resources. |
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Contact Us
For more information call 904.268.8287 |
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