LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment and Development)

 

The LEAD program is designed to empower pre-teen and teen girls by focusing on three areas:  

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• Leadership – Building leadership skills that support self-respect, self-control and positive decision-making skills.

• Empowerment – Challenging girls to explore their world and current issues through engaged and creative learning.

• Development – Guiding and developing character and confidence that will encourage and promote effective communication skills, positive goal setting, and a strong foundation for a successful adulthood. 

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The LEAD curriculum is trauma-focus and covers topics such as:  self-respect, healthy relationships, goal setting, cultural competency, drug and alcohol abuse awareness, personal, social media and online safety, and effective communication skills.

LEAD is offered at Caddo Parish middle and high schools, as well as community centers and non-profit organizations in the Shreveport/Bossier area.

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LEAD runs the Teen Advisory Council (TAC), for more information click here!

 

 

Nurturing Parenting Program

 

The Nurturing Parenting program provides family-centered trauma-informed classes designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices. 

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Session topics include:  stress and anger management, positive discipline, understanding feelings, building self-worth in children, and communicating with respect. A Teen Moms parenting program is also offered through the Nurturing Parenting curriculum for all teen girls who have children or who are expecting a child.  

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Session topics include:

Nutrition, self-awareness, developing nurturing routines, CPR, ways to reward behavior and positive discipline techniques.

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YWCA staff are trained Nurturing Parenting facilitators and classes are free and available in-person or virtually.

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Click here to register for the program!

 

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Trauma Counseling Services

 

Professional individual counseling is available for women and teen girls who are or have been victims of crime and may be experiencing trauma.  Licensed professional counselors who are trauma trained and have EMDR training provide these services free of charge.  Sessions are available in-person or virtually. 

 

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Senior Women Victim Advocacy

 

Advocacy and support services are provided to women 62 and older who have been victims of crime. Services include emotional support, information and referral, legal and court system advocacy, linkage with local resources for seniors, assistance with personal needs and access to services.  Educational programs are also available focusing on personal safety, crime prevention, elder abuse, and local resources and services that are available.  ​