Empower Her Today, Transform Our Tomorrow
Dear PEARLS Supporter,
My name is Naviyah. I am an 11th grader and I attend PEARLS open group at their office site. I joined PEARLS when I was in middle school. It was two years after COVID hit full force, and I knew my mom was on the lookout for events to attend so I could branch out, and meet new people. I had been attending school through Zoom for over a year and a half. Even when my classmates began physically attending school, I stayed home. During my time at home, I became an extreme introvert. I barely talked to those outside of my household and I didn’t want to try anything new.
So when my mom introduced PEARLS to me I was not interested. Being in a small group in an intimate setting with girls my age sounded utterly horrifying, but my mom was insistent. She continued to talk about the program, and all the good things she heard, until I eventually cracked and said I would go. Right now, too many girls are facing barriers to confidence and connection, just like I was. You can help change that.
We need to raise $300,000 by December 31st to continue breaking down those barriers for every girl.
My first group meeting ever was held at Saint A’s (Wellpoint) with Ms. Amir. The first few meetings made me realize how awkwardly I behaved with people outside of my home. I felt anxious being with new people and all I wanted to do was go home. By the second meeting, I finally began to relax. I remembered the names of the girls in my group, and we were slowly getting to know each other.
Before I could realize it was happening, I was excited to go to group. I looked forward to talking with my leader, as well as the other girls in my group. Every time I got picked up I excitedly told my mom about everything we talked about and I could see she was happy I was finally opening up. This is what PEARLS does -- it bring girls out of their shells and empowers us to grow.
My group leader was nothing short of amazing. She drafted up solutions for me to calm my anxiety, and what to do when I got too overwhelmed. This support is a big reason why I believed I could speak on a panel in front a big crowd of people.
In group, we watched movies, had good food, learned about ourselves, and became closer as a group. We learned about important things like substance abuse, and puberty, and it never felt uncomfortable or awkward when I had questions or needed elaboration on the topics. PEARLS quickly turned into my safe haven. We need more spaces where girls can be themselves, ask questions without judgment, and receive the support they need to thrive.
“She has stepped back into her leadership and her sociable self. She goes out with her friends more, and even at our family functions she takes the lead with her cousins and makes sure everyone is behaving themselves. At school, she’s a student recruiter. And this is really because all of the opportunities she’s been able to receive at PEARLS. ”
When my group finally came to an end we all cried and hugged, promising to keep in touch with one another. Before my mom could even bring it up, I was already asking to be enrolled for the next year. I was so happy at PEARLS, and I still am today.
The path to gender equity is long, and we’re far from the finish line. Your gift will bring us one step closer and ensure that PEARLS can empower the next generation of leader, like me.
Thank you for your support,
Naviyah, 11th Grader
PEARLS For Teen Girls