Connections
Connections focuses on positivity and building healthy relationships. With the pressures and expectations that young women must face daily, it’s easy to let anger and frustration shut out those who are most important to us. Many young girls simply need someone to talk to and reach out to them. That’s what Connections is about. This year-long ongoing program focuses on anger management and impulse control and allows young women to share what they’re dealing with in a safe space.
Topics covered
- healthy relationships
- dating violence prevention
- body image & self-esteem
- reproductive health (birth control)
- dealing with anger/calming strategies
- neighborhood violence
- sexual abuse prevention
- gambling and addiction
- toxic relationships
- goal-setting achievement
- teen pregnancy
- healthy bodies & eating disorders
- drug/alcohol prevention
- stress management
- creating coping skills
Activities
- girls store
- past field trip to the ice skating rink
- decorating mason jars & writing compliments (building friendships & self-esteem)
- making healthy recipes
- pizza parties
- DIY stress balls
- guest speakers
- service projects
Age group
Girls ages 12 – 18 (7th grade and up)
Time & day
Tuesdays – 3 – 4:15 p.m.
Related Programs
After School Groups
The Young Women’s Resource Center holds weekly after school groups for young women in the Des Moines area in 5th through 12th grades. These groups explore a variety of topics such as body image, self-esteem, reproductive health and healthy relationships. They include hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers and community service projects.
Hit the Ground Running
This 10-week program incorporates physical activity to promote resilience and empowerment, culminating with the completion of a 5k event.
Mariposa
Mariposa, meaning “butterfly,” is a weekly after school group designed exclusively for Latina young women in middle and high schools throughout Des Moines.