Courtesy photo.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to welcome Michelle Martinez Mercado as a new program facilitator in Santa Paula.
In her new role, Michelle will lead groups of elementary-aged girls in a balanced program of hands-on learning opportunities and academic support as part of the Bold Futures Mentoring Project. This program is held on campus, after school at middle schools and at other youth facilities in Santa Paula, and is designed to support Girls Inc.’s mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Bold Futures is a weekly group mentoring program providing girls ages 9-14 with consistent, in-depth programming and experiences to strengthen their coping skills, reduce risk factors, minimize entry/re-entry into the juvenile justice system, and increase family engagement.
“We know that mentoring is the single most important factor in preventing risky behaviors in youth,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Michelle brings a passion for working with youth and providing girls with key building blocks for future success so that they can thrive. We are excited to welcome her to the Girls Inc. team in Santa Paula, and we look forward to continuing to expand our work with girls in the community.”
A Carpinteria resident, Michelle holds an AA in social behavioral sciences from Santa Barbara City College and will earn her BA in sociology at California Lutheran University in the spring.
To learn more about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, please call (805) 684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. We provide programs for girls Pre-K through 12th grade that focus on science, math, and technology; health and sexuality; economic and financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.