COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A free after school program for girls in Coldwater organized to empower 4th through 8th graders with confidence and self-worth will begin its fourth year in two weeks with a new name. VOICES, formerly known as the Girlz Club, starts up for this year October 18.
The girls gather after school on Wednesdays at the Coldwater Free Methodist Church Fellowship Center. The program, which has no religious affiliation, was started by Patsy Karbon and is under the umbrella of the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Karbon, who is a member of the Coldwater Early Bird Exchange Club, spoke to the group at its meeting last Wednesday morning about the new name for the Girlz Club. According to Karbon, VOICES is exactly what they are trying to do, helping the girls and young women find their voice, in her words, in this crazy world. Karbon said so far, the club has assisted over 100 girls with about 30 to 35 participating each year.
Girls can be nominated for VOICES by parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, coaches, or others. Each VOICES session includes a lesson, discussion, and activity on specific age-appropriate topics such as self-esteem, emotional feelings, communication, life skills and healthy living.
The program, which is staffed by volunteers, is funded through grants and donations.
