Victor Girls Build Each Other Up at Empowerment Group

An Empowerment Group for girls in 5th and 6th grade at the Victor Intermediate School has assisted girls in improving their self-esteem by promoting self-exploration stress management, problem solving, positive body image, and more.

The girls meet Friday afternoons after school and use their time together learning valuable life skills in a fun, safe, and supported environment. They do this through various activities like Zumba, Yoga, mindfulness activities, and peer-led discussions.

“The Empowerment Group is really fun and helps me feel safe when talking about my feelings.”

S.

The weekly topics of group discussions, generated by the girls, vary to address issues such as peer pressure, bullying, body image, anxiety, stress, and more. Sometimes the girls simply share positive upcoming events or good outcomes, and other times they use the group discussion for support in resolving problems.

Physical and mental wellness components are designed to help the girls connect their feelings to their own thought processes, and in turn, they learn how to listen to their bodies for signs of stress.

“The girls offer kind words to each other and share how they have navigated peer relationships,” says Jamie Buttaccio, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Zumba instructor and Aging and Wellness Coordinator at Ontario ARC, who is also the group leader.

“Empowerment is special for me because I can talk to someone who will not tell anyone.”

H.

“They learn how to manage their emotions, and also learn how to give empathy and compassion. Most of all, they realize they are not alone. Students are encouraged to embrace their differences and qualities that make them unique individuals and our hope is that they will transfer skills learned within this group with their friends, at home, and at school.”

“It makes me feel at home and very happy. They are all my friends, and it’s awesome.”

M.

Empowerment Group meets Friday Afternoons, 3:15PM to 4:30PM at Victor Central School Intermediate Building. The next session runs April 13 to June 8 (no class 5/25). $80 registration fee per 8 week session. For more information or to register, contact Jamie Buttaccio at jbuttaccio@ontarioarc.org or (585) 919-2161.