Elite Ladies of PAL

In an effort to bridge the gap with youth in our community through our recent developments in the YIS Unit, we have come to the realization that our county is behind the ball on a Girls Initiative Program. It is our goal to reach out to at risk females within the community to reduce the risk of criminal activity while positively impacting the lives of girls within the county. These girls are refer

red through community partners such as community based agencies (CBC of Seminole, Horizon’s Counseling Center, Boys and Girls Club, Midway Safe Harbor), schools (SRD/SRO referrals), and community churches. Initial referrals will be obtained through Schools and School Resource Deputies who have already been advised of several youth in mind fit for this program. This start up group is ideal given the influence on various schools and our relationship with said schools through our experience as Juvenile Probation Officers. The Qualifications under the program are as follows:
* Young ladies must be enrolled in a Seminole County educational program.
* Young ladies must be between the ages of 11 to 18.
* Young ladies must have some involvement with the above listed referring agencies.
* Parent/Guardian is encouraged to participate throughout the process. The selection of the ladies is based on an overall consensus of the Elite Ladies of PAL Program Advisors. Referred ladies are invited to attend an orientation and selection is made thereafter by way of phone and/or face to face contact. Topics covered under the program are as follows:
EDUCATION
Provide a sounding board for the girls where they are able to express their point of view as it relates to the subject and allow for the sharing of teen pressures, challenges, and concerns. Career Planning/Vocational
Provide guest speakers in areas of interest shared by the majority of the group and develop mini-training sessions in which they can display their skills. Financial Planning
Address financial education – Values, beliefs, and attitudes about money. Etiquette
Parenting
Physical Fitness

Safety
Will address dating violence and provide families with resources as needed. Discussing what is appropriate/inappropriate in dating situations. Address the recent concerns with human trafficking and providing with information to help girls avoid falling into the traps easily set by predators, especially as it relates to social networking (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). Cultural Diversity

SOCIAL SKILLS
Self Esteem:
Communication

Life Skills

Address family dynamics and helping to break the barriers of generational poverty and other at risk behaviors. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Elicit community service through continued partnership with community resources such as Harvest Time International, local nursing homes, Rescue Outreach Mission, Hands on Orlando, and the like to encouraged giving back to the community. Community involvement activities will help to instill purposeful activities with the members and giving back to the less fortunate.