The 1 Year to Empowerment program, operated under The Child & Family Foundation Inc., was created in 2014 as a free, year-long program to support teenage girls struggling with mental health challenges and making unhealthy life choices. The idea was developed by local child psychologist, Dr. Samantha Scott and based upon principles of psychology regarding mental health wellness and intrinsic motivation for personal growth. The goal was to assist girls in accepting themselves and others, committing to personal development and wellness, persevering through challenges as a team, and empowering themselves to be the best they can be. Additional perks of this model have been offering teenage girls a sense of belonging in a non-judgmental space. The 1 Year to Empowerment program recently celebrated 10 years of EMPOWERING local girls in June 2024! The 2024-2025 Empoweree program kicked off in September with 25 new Empowerees. This year, Empowerees will participate in engaging, hands-on, and empowering activities throughout the program year. Programming will include the continuation of annual activities such as aerial yoga and meditation, self-defense and boxing workshops, learning how to change a tire and perform car maintenance, a CPR/first aid and babysitting certification course, a career day, and building a wheelchair ramp for a community member in need. We will also engage in several career-focused activities such as personal finance, college tours, and visiting women-owned business. We look forward to hosting our 3rd annual Empowerment Through the Arts Gala in which many of our empowerees showcase their own talents to local community members. Our year culminates with our annual Transformation Banquet in which current empowerees are highlighted for completing the program while new empowerees are welcomed into the program.