Asset Building Project Archives - Alternatives For Girls

Girls and Young Women Set Goals for the Future: To prepare for the new school year, girls and young women at AFG have been getting help to set their goals!

Oct. 31 2019 | Tags: Asset Building Project, High School Graduation, Prevention

This month, the girls and young women in AFG’s programs have been setting and working towards new goals for the school year! Luz, a high school senior and member of AFG’s Asset Building Program, is making big plans for her future.

“My main goal is to get accepted to college,” she shares. Luz is applying to many colleges, including Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina.

Going to college is a big accomplishment for Luz, and her family. “I want to fulfill the goals that my parents had for themselves. They wanted to go to school, but they didn’t have the choice to. For my future, I know having an education will help me,” she says.

Luz is working hard to meet her goal. She completed several early applications, has filled out her FASFA, begun applying for scholarships, and has met with representatives from universities so that she can learn what they offer.

Thanks to your support, Luz received support and guidance to reach her goal. “I was confused and didn’t know what to look for in a university. But with AFG’s guidance, they helped me narrow down the list and criteria I was looking for.”

Through AFG’s Asset Building Program, Luz has opened her own college savings account and has started saving money for college. “It has helped me plan to set aside money for my college savings. Before, I never did that!” Luz also participated in AFG’s recent college tour in Chicago! During the trip, she visited several colleges and she was able to speak with women from different professions to gather insight.

“I know going to college will be a big change,” she says. “But I know I will experience so many things that I haven’t yet!”

Thank you for supporting the goals of girls and young women, like Luz. It makes a real impact!

September Volunteer Spotlight: Jamie Duell

Oct. 13 2016 | Tags: Asset Building Project, Prevention, volunteers

Each month, Alternatives For Girls’ Volunteer Department highlights one volunteer who AFG staff recognize as being a dedicated and passionate volunteer. September’s volunteer spotlight features Jamie Duell, a mentor for AFG’s Asset-Building Project. Jamie has been volunteering for about a year and will soon be celebrating her one-year mentor anniversary with her mentee. When we spoke with Jamie recently, we asked her a few questions about her experience volunteering and the positive relationship she has been able to form with her mentee.

Why did you decide to be a volunteer at AFG?

I wanted the opportunity to influence young women and girls. I don’t have a large family in Detroit so the opportunity to interact with young people in a positive way is something that I have to deliberately seek out.

What is your greatest strength? And how does it help you when you as a volunteer?

My greatest strength is that I understand how important relationships are to our well-being and I bring that into my interactions with my mentee. My mentee has many positive influences in her life so I feel like I am adding one more layer to her support system.

What is your goal in being a volunteer?

I want to build on my mentee’s strengths and help her in any areas that she wants to grow. I also want to be one more person that my mentee can look to for social support. I remember being her age and that it wasn’t always easy. I think that having more people to rely on is a wonderful thing for a girl.

What has been your proudest moment as a volunteer?

One day I took her to Wayne State where I am studying so that we could explore the campus and hang out in the student center. I was really proud of her when she decided to interview some students about what their career plans were, and why they chose their majors. That day I wasn’t really sure of what we should do but it turned out that leaving things a little unstructured led to a great opportunity for her to practice her interviewing skills and learn more from others.

How do others view you as a role model?

I think we are all role models in different ways. I try to be honest with my mentee about the things I am trying to improve and myself but also the things I think are my strengths. I hope this will give her an example of how to strive without needing to be perfect.

Is there anything else you would like to add regarding volunteering?

Being a mentor has been a really rewarding experience. It is something that I think other women should consider. If you have the time and energy to take on the commitment I think you should really consider it.

Thank you, Jamie, for the support and guidance you have provided your mentee!

Interested in mentoring? Please contact Jenny Clement, Volunteer Services Manager, at 313-361-4000 x248 or volunteering@alternativesforgirls.org to discuss the next steps to becoming a mentor.

Volunteer Opportunities at Alternatives For Girls

Jun. 2 2016 | Tags: Asset Building Project, Resource Center, Rise N' Shine, volunteer projects, volunteers

More than 300 volunteers give over 20,000 hours of their time and talents to Alternatives For Girls each year! The programs provided for girls and young women at AFG could not be done without volunteers. For more information on our current volunteer opportunities and how to become a volunteer at AFG, contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Jenny Clement, at 313-361-4000 ext. 248 or volunteering@alternativesforgirls.org.

Resource Center Volunteer

AFG’s Resource Center manages a walk-in center and a 24/7 crisis line for those in the community that are in crisis or in need of services. Volunteers will serve as a listening ear and a conduit of information about resources inside and outside of AFG. Volunteers will answer the phone and assist any walk-ins seeking assistance. Shifts are available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Evening shifts are preferred.

Mentor

AFG’s Asset Building Project is a new program aimed at helping young women prepare financially, academically, and culturally for post-secondary education (read about it here in our Spring 2016 Newsletter). The program is in need of mentors to work with the middle school aged girls enrolled in the program. The mentor serves as a positive role model for their assigned mentee and will work to support, guide, and help her prepare for college. Mentors meet with their mentees a few times each month to engage in educational and recreational activities. Mentoring takes place during the evening or on the weekend. Spanish speaking mentors preferred.

Rise N’ Shine Summer Camp Volunteers

AFG’s Rise N’ Shine summer camp is a free day camp for girls between the ages of 4-14 living in southwest Detroit. Rise N’ Shine provides fun and educational workshops, field trips, and more. Volunteer chaperones are needed to assist with Rise N’ Shine field trips with on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 beginning July 7th.