G.E.M.S. MENTORING PROGRAM
Established in 2018 by volunteers and community partners of the St. Sabina Church, GEMS was designed to educate, inspire, and reshape the behaviors of teenage girls. Chicago’s southside continue to be affected by many challenging factors that need not deter our youth from their education, community expansion, and social development.
GEMS mentees and mentors commit to the program for one year, but we encourage them to continue to foster their bonds after the program ends. While in GEMS, girls attend sessions twice a week with discussions around various topics including mending broken relationships, goals after high school, communication, dating, and more. The girls benefit from having a safe space to speak their minds, voice their opinions, and get guidance on topics that may be difficult to discuss with a parent.
GEMS focuses on the pillars of Giving, Empowerment, Mentoring, and Self-Identity. Mentees, ages 13 to 17, are paired with mentors, ages 25 and up, who support the girls with their personal and professional goals. These types of connections are integral for the development of teenagers as they grow into the GEMS they were meant to be.
GEMS Leadership also take GEMS on field trips and experiences to expand their perspective. Previous cohorts have taken trips to downtown Chicago attractions, restaurants, and museums. Additionally, each summer, a select number of girls are invited to attend a weeklong retreat in Knoxville, TN sponsored by A Purpose By Design. There the girls explore their personal goals, individuality, financial stability, health, wellness, and more.
