Inspiring Hope in Youth
Simmer is a high school student who struggled at home and school. She was having a tough time making friends and was getting into conflicts with classmates. Focusing in class and on schoolwork was another challenge. Through meetings with her parents and teacher, they decided it would be beneficial for Simmer to join the Services to Access Resources & Recreation (STARR) Girls Group, which is part of Options’ Youth Services and operates throughout the school year. When Simmer first joined the group, she was quiet and did not make connections with peers. Through the activities and support at Girls Group, she started to open up. One particularly impactful activity was writing letters to seniors living in care homes. Her thoughtful letters in which she shared about her school and life touched both Simmer and the seniors. In time, Simmer also wrote to nurses and police officers in the community to thank them, cheer them on, and ask how they were doing. Writing letters has helped Simmer connect with her community and feel more comfortable opening up to peers in the STARR Group. On Girls Group days, Simmer showed up ecstatic to be there. With her newfound confidence she was happy to be at school, made meaningful friendships, joined more in-school leadership programs and improved focus in her schoolwork.
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