After School Groups
The YWRC holds Girls Inc. After School Groups for 3rd – 12th grade participants in the Greater Des Moines area. Groups offer a safe, supportive, and engaging space. The program runs weekly throughout the school year, providing opportunities for youth to grow, learn, and connect through educational activities, monthly themes, community partnerships, and occasional field trips.
The range of topics covered in these groups is large enough to compete with the number of issues that affect young women at any stage. By discussing things like body image, self-esteem, puberty and reproductive health, peer pressure, goal setting, and everything in between, the girls are able to equip themselves with the skills to live healthy and happy lives.
Groups Available:
3rd – 4th grade/o, 5th grade/o, 6th – 7th grade/o, 8th grade/o, High School/Escuela Secundaria, Mariposa (8 – 12 grado Latinas)
Group Time & Day:
3rd – 4th grade/o: Tuesday/Martes, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
5th grade/o: Thursdays/Jueves, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
6th – 7th grade/o: Monday/Lunes, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
8th grade/o: Monday/Lunes, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
High School/Escuela Secundaria: Wednesday/Miércoles, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Mariposa (8 – 12 grado Latinas): Wednesday/Miércoles, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Registration:
To register for an After School Group, click the “register” button or here and complete the registration form. All groups are filled on a first come, first served basis until the group reaches capacity. Facilitator will contact you when your form is received. / Para inscribirse en un grupo de actividades extraescolares, haga clic en el botón “Registrarse” o aquí y complete el formulario de inscripción. Todos los grupos se llenan por orden de llegada hasta que el grupo alcanza su capacidad. El líder se comunicará con usted cuando reciba su formulario.
If you have any questions or need assistance please contact [email protected]. or call the YWRC at 515.244.4901. / Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda, comuníquese [email protected] o llame al YWRC al 515.244.4901.
Monthly Themes:
- healthy relationships
- boundaries
- empowerment
- girl equality/equity
- social media safety and awareness
- STEM
- resiliency
More Details:
- Community partnerships and field trips expand real-world experiences
- Group is a space for personal growth, peer connection, and leadership development
- After School Groups are FREE to attend, and include snacks and supplies
- Location: YWRC, 818 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Transportation to and from group can be provided within 7 miles of the YWRC
- Access to our resource closet for personal care products included
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. (Groups are currently held online and meet in a virtual space. Project-specific activity kits are provided for participants.)
Better Beginnings Doula Program
The term doula comes from ancient Greek which means, “a woman who serves”. Today Birth Doulas provide practical, emotional, physical, spiritual and informational support. Birth doulas stand by their clients during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas aim to empower clients to have the birth they want, as well as have autonomy over their birth and body.
Childbirth Education Group
Held at the Young Women’s Resource Center, the Pregnancy and Birth Support Group provides comprehensive pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum education for young women and their partners.

