Several years ago I began a mentoring group at the Octorara Junior High School called, “It’s Great to be a Girl.” This group is now called, “Girls Run the World.” I have had the privilege of having some of the girls attend from middle school through to high school.

When the past school year began, one of the young women suggested we do a community service project to benefit The Octorara Food Cupboard. Our group collected prom dresses from the local community and “sold” the dresses for cans of food.

On Friday, Kacie’s Cause is hosting Dress to Express A Fashion Show for 11^th and 12^th grade students to “purchase” dresses for the prom this year. I am so very proud of these young ladies. They collected dresses; they donated food, and they are stepping outside their comfort zone to model these dresses.

Not everyone in the Octorara community can afford to spend a lot of money for dresses to attend the prom. Similar to some other school districts; this venture gives the opportunity for young women to purchase a prom dress on a budget.

Facilitating this group with Fran Propper is gratitude in action. It has been a pleasure watching these young women mature and go outside themselves to help others.

One of the goals of the group is to empower girls to accept themselves for who they are. Each week we talk about something appropriate for their age: self-esteem, confidence, having their voices heard, boys, family dynamics, relationships, friendships, and bullying.

These young women have changed my life. Regardless of how my Monday is going, I know that for this hour I can breathe, listen, and support young women through their adolescent journey. They display courage, vulnerability, and persistence as they continue their education.

Community service gives us the opportunity to make a difference. It offers another perspective. Consider volunteering for little league, girl and boy scouts, a youth retreat such as The Point in Parkesburg, or The Garage in Kennett Square, a pet rescue, or a food cupboard.

All lives involved are changed for the positive.

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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

Top photo credit: Boy Scouts of America visit Gen. Casey via photopin (license)