Talk With a Teen Girl This Wednesday

I was speechless when girls from Crittenton programs shared the unique obstacles they face in the County today. The good news is that all of us, whether we have daughters of our own or not, can do something to help. That’s why I hope you will join me on February 22 for “Talk With a Teen Girl Today.” The forum, to be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building, will include release and discussion of a survey that will provide insight into the real world of some teenage girls in Montgomery County.

The evening’s panel discussion will include Pamela Johnson, former national program officer of the Children’s Bureau and board chair of Crittenton Services; Antonio Tijerino, president of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation; Pamela Jones, president and CEO of Crittenton; and Nicki Sanders, director of programs for Crittenton. NBC4 news anchor Pat Lawson Muse will moderate the panel, which also will include three teen girls from Montgomery County high schools.

The panel discussion will focus on the results of the survey developed by the girls on the panel. The survey questions looked at how adolescence is a challenging stage of life for many teen girls in Montgomery County. Crittenton experts specializing in positive youth development for teen girls will report additional key findings and trends in Montgomery County.

My hat is off to Crittendon for organizing this event. Since 1983, Crittenton has served more than 10,000 young women living in the Greater Washington area. Its voluntary, school-based programs nurture the strengths and build the assets of girls growing up in high-risk environments that frequently lead to serious problems. Through weekly meetings during the school day and a range of out-of-school activities, Crittenton’s youth development specialists deliver a structured curriculum, become trusted advisors for the girls and promote bonding between the girls and their families.

In the 2011-12 school year, Crittenton is working with girls in Montgomery County who attend Argyle, E. Brook Lee and Kelly Miller middle schools and Blair, Gaithersburg and Kennedy high schools. The organization also is working with girls at Ward 7 and Ward 8 D.C. public high schools.

For more information about the forum, visit the event’s web site or call 301-565-9333.