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local blogger to lead a class about journaling and how writing helped her with personal addiction and stress. In March, Joanne Glenn, author of Life and Death: No Coincidences: The Story of Everett Lawrence Glenn will be joining the girls to talk about her healing journey after her son died of alcohol poisoning. The girls will host a luncheon in August to share their influence in the community with VIP guests and teachers. In attendance will be MADD's National President, Helen Witty and State Executive Director, Dave Pinsker as well as victims and survivors and the SWFL team.
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According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word ' influencer ' mean the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways . For MADD, the word ' influencer ' refers to a peer to peer group that explores and discusses the risks of underage drinking, how it impacts driving and how to make good decisions both before and after the age of 21. Pace Center: Immokalee Influencers by Lori M. Burke, Executive Director Our Program Specialist, Lauren Harkins, is currently facilitating an Influencers Group at Pace Center for Girls in Immokalee. The group was made possible by a generous grant from the Jordan Ashley Gutheim Foundation through the Southwest Florida Community Foundation "When I first started going to the Pace Center, the girls were shy and reserved. I gave them time because I didn't know their experiences with this subject. Now, the girls are vocal and confident," states Lauren.
Laurens approach is to be inclusive and give the girls an opportunity to direct how they influence
themselves and the people around them. Seamlessly weaving together MADD's mission, Lauren has included healing bracelets in the way the girls become influencers. They make the bracelets and write a heart-felt note of healing to be given to victims.
Learning that the girls enjoy the creative arts for expression, Lauren sought out a
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