Lakeview Applauds Success of Girls Mentoring Program

All good things must come to an end, but this one is only temporary.

The First Things First Foundation's girls mentoring program in Lakeview wrapped up a successful first year on Saturday, but the group can't wait to do it again.

"For me the mentoring program was a fun way to learn new things," said Jordan Rucker, of Lakeview, one of the youngest participants. "We learned about taking care of our money and our health, and also about African American leaders, and spent time with our mentors."

Nineteen young girls participated in the program, meet at the Lakeview Public Library Saturday afternoons to engage in workshops, listen to notable speakers and talk one-on-one with the woman from the neighborhood who volunteered their time to offer their wisdom and guidance.

They celebrated the success of the program with a reception at the library on June 4, where they each received a certificate and reflected on the highlights of the year.

State Farm Insurance, who sponsored the food at the end-of-the-year party, held various information sessions with the girls and their families about the importance of financial planning during the course of the program.

"I learned to manage money....Well, when it comes to jewelry, I haven't," joked one of the girls.

Many of the mentees also spoke fondly about a community service project they participated in through which they volunteered at the Lakeview Library to help organize its video collection.

"We were able to pay them back for using their rooms for our meetings," Rucker said. "I am glad to have been part of this program and I hope to do it again."

Her sentiments were echoed by many of the young girls and their mentors, who plan to bring the program back next year.