The "Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" program is designed to provide girls aged 12-14 with information to help them make informed choices about healthy active living and support them in dealing with the emotional, social, and cultural issues they may face. In addition, the program provides girls with the tools they need to implement this healthier and happier lifestyle.
Go Girls was it started in 2001 by Ophea (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association). In 2004, Ophea partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Ontario to deliver the Go Girls! program in nine communities. In 2006, BBBSC acquired the program nationally.
In the fall of 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County launched our Go Girls program locally at Chimo Elementary school with our partners: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds & Grenville, the Lanark Leeds & Grenville Health Unit, FOCUS, Portland Community Health Centre, Upper Canada District School Board, and other community groups. The program was an overwhelming success thanks to our participants and skilled mentors.
We have been fortunate enough to grow the program. Since we began running the program in 2008 we have served the following schools: Maplegrove Public School in Lanark, Duncan J. Schoular Public School in Smiths Falls, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Smiths Falls, Naismith Public School in Almonte, St. John Catholic Elementary School in Perth, and Stewart Public School in Perth.
"The girls group was great! It is a place where you can be yourself."
- recent Go Girls Participant.
WE NEED YOU! Go Girls! is a volunteer mentoring program, and we need young women to lead the groups. This is a '3 hour per week for 12 week' committment and full training is provided. If you are interested in changing the lives of young girls in Lanark County, call Lee Ann Eardley at the BBBS office today!
Lee Ann Eardley, Caseworker
1 613 283 0570
bigbrothersbigsisterslanark.ca