Seven Hills’ “Just Us Girls” program was featured at the Women’s Initiative of United Way’s Annual Stepping Up for Girls event on September 24th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. Featured speakers included Kerianne Young and Liz Hackett, (in photo), who have both participated in “Just us Girls” since it was developed 12 years ago by Kerianne’s mother, Dianne, who sought to create a fun and meaningful and inclusive social opportunity for her daughter. “Just us Girls” is a successful Saturday program of the Seven Hills Family Support Center. With its popularity, importance, and demonstrated success, an additional ”Just Us Women” program was developed so that young women—like Kerianne and Liz—can access personal growth and friendships—while accessing the important lessons addressed in the program.

The Women’s Initiative membership heard directly from Kerianne and Liz about the importance of the program, and learning how to deal with issues surrounding money management, bullying, career exploration, and personal safety. Kerianne, noted, “I like Just Us Girls because I get to hang out with my friends and we go on cool trips. I like doing the arts and crafts projects.” Liz highlighted, “I like to go shopping and talk fashion with my friends and we get to learn about how to keep our money!” Robin Foley, AVP of Seven Hills Family Services talked about the transformation of Just us Girls from a social group—to a curriculum based program working on self determination, personal awareness and safety, anti-bullying, building friendships and giving back to the community, that is truly moving the girls to new levels of success. Thanks to the generosity of the Women’s Initiative membership, Just us Girls had doubled the enrollment and is now expanded the access to young adults.