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New AFG Video!
Have you seen our new video yet? Click the image below to watch! AFG would like to thank Scott Zuchlewski for creating this inspiring new video! |
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Alternatives For Girls
E-Newsletter
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"During my time at AFG they helped me in major ways, emotionally and physically. In all honesty, I just needed a place warm and safe to stay, however I was given more than that. I was given listening ears and pulsating hearts, from people who were complete strangers. The women at AFG didn't want to do anything but see me succeed," shared Jamese at AFG's recent Role Model Dinner. Jamese was one of several young women from AFG who shared their stories at the dinner.
Read on to hear about our after-school program's Women's History Month celebration, read an inspiring poem written by a participant in AFG's Prevention Program, and for the highlights from our 27th Annual Role Model Dinner.
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"We Can Do It!": AFG's Prevention Program Celebrates Women's History Month
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During the month of March, AFG's After-school Program celebrated Women's History Month. Throughout the month, the girls and young women learned about many different women who have impacted history, including Malala Yousafzai, Sojourner Truth, Mother Teresa, Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, Maya Angelou, and many more. "The girls were very excited to learn about Malala, since she is a young activist fighting for girls to go to school," shared Jovonda, the Elementary Group Coordinator.
To learn about these extraordinary women, the girls were introduced to
each woman through a conversation and discussion about how she impacted history. Many of the participants didn't know about women's history month or about the historic women themselves. Because of this, the conversations were guided by the participant's questions so that they could learn about the women they were most interested about. "They really loved talking about Maya Angelou and reading her poetry," says Jovonda.
On March 8th, the groups celebrated International Women's Day; a day that recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world. To celebrate, the participants dressed up as Rosie the Riveter, the cultural icon who represents the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. After learning about Rosie, each participant had the chance to recreate her historic photo. At the month's end, the participants had not only gained awareness and insight into these important women, but also found role models to inspire them for years to come.
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"Here's to Women": A Poem
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At our 27th Annual Role Model Dinner on March 16, Guadalupe, a participant in AFG's Prevention Program, read the following original poem, titled "Here's to Women".
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find strength
where nothing can break you
be confident
believe in your style
who can bring you down?
who judges
or labels you?
you can be yourself
and nothing more is needed
to do it all
to take charge
of what you do
to direct life
the way you want it to go
you are in control
there is pride
in your work
and love
in what you do
there is power
to do the best
the opportunity
to be the best
while life
will keep throwing you lemons
here is the sugar
to make your lemonade
here is a sword
to slay your fear
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that dragon
that had you controlled
that shattered your goals
your wish and ambition.
here is a chance
for all your dreams
here is a hope
yes, a hope
a light
an open, welcoming door
that lends guidance
inspiration
faith and determination
Do you see it?
here it is
so now you
can open your door
you can be that light
and soon others
will shine too
and such a world
this would be
full of light
you and I
can be this light
together,
you and I
can shine.
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2016 Role Model Dinner: A Beautiful Chain of Events
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|  | | 2016 Role Model Dinner Co-Chair, Barbara Whittaker, and 2014 Role Model Awardee, Andra Rush. Photo Courtesy of Hour Detroit. | |
On March 16, Alternatives For Girls held our 27th Annual Role Model Dinner at Cobo Center. The event raised over $231,000 to support our critical work!
The evening was full of fun and inspiration. After an hour of mingling and a silent auction, the program kicked off with a live auction. Luther Keith, ARISE Detroit CEO and former AFG Board Member, emceed the event. The dinner, co-chaired this year by Don Manvel and Barbara Whittaker, provided an opportunity for us to hear from many of the young women whose lives have been changed by AFG's programs. We heard stories of struggle and triumph, and many reflections on the theme of the night, A Beautiful Chain of Events: A Link that Lasts a Lifetime. The evening closed with the thrilling "Fund the Mission," led by auctioneer Chris Aslanian, during which event guests pledged monetary support to AFG.
In between was a time of reflection and inspiration as the young women of AFG and the 2016 Role Models shared their stories. Many shared empowering messages, like this statement from community volunteer and Champion Role Model Awardee, Janet McAuliffe "The investment in helping girls and women to be safe, to grow strong and to make positive choices has far reaching benefits for all of us. We know that as women grow through education, they have a strong positive influence on their children and their extended families. When they have good job skills and earning opportunity they can provide an economic competitive advantage to our community and to our country." Click here to read more. To see photos from this year's dinner, check out the Hour Detroit photo album here!
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Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Amanda (Amy) L. Good
CEO
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