Kate has mentored almost 100 girls through The Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation’s mentoring program. She strives to help high school girls reach their full potential, not only in their academic success, but outside the classroom as well.
Here is what Kate had to say about the mentoring program at The Emergency Aid:
“The mission of The Emergency Aid of PA Foundation is to improve the lives of women and children. We do that through grants that are distributed to non-profit organizations that aid families as well as through our Founders Program which is offered to area high school girls. The Founders program offers seminars and service projects throughout the school year to encourage leadership, education and service to these young ladies. Our seminars cover important subjects that high school students face each day, such as time management, studying habits, organizational skills and stress management.”
The impact that the mentoring program has on the girls goes well beyond their high school years. Guidance through high school prepares these girls for a more fulfilling high school and college experience.
Here’s what Kate has noticed throughout her mentoring experience:
“Our goal is to touch each girls’ lives in some way, whether it be to help them with studying habits, give them tips to handle the stress of high school, or simply allow them to talk about their everyday situations and provide help in any way we can. We also find that their fellow Founders’ girls can offer support and tips that we may not have thought of. These girls are accepted into the program at the end of their freshman year and stay throughout high school. The ones that get the most out of it attend at least two of our seminars and many if not all of our service events we hold from September until May. The more they come and meet us and the other girls, the more they learn and the more they grow!”
Not only has the program impacted the high school girls that are involved in the mentoring program, but this program impacts those mentoring as well!
“I am not sure I can put into words how much this organization has impacted my life. I know I get more from these girls, and The Emergency Aid in general, than I give. I am constantly in awe of these girls and their work ethic, sincerity and general goodness. I remember listening to one girl talk about how she gets up at 5:00 am every day so she can get a bus and then a train to get to school on time, while another girl talked of getting up at that hour so she can go to work before school.
Their dedication to their school work, jobs and activities never ceases to amaze Kate.
I have three children at home, as well as a part-time job and there have been times I have been tempted to leave EA because I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities. And then I attend a seminar, or our yearly Tea, and start talking to and listening to these amazing girls and I realize I would miss them. They encourage me to reach for more and always strive to do better. They are truly amazing! It is such an honor and privilege to get to know these young ladies.”
Kate loves watching these girls grow throughout their high school career:
“I think my favorite part is getting to know the girls and seeing them grow and mature throughout high school and beyond. So many come to our first meeting and are shy and withdrawn, not making eye contact and not contributing to conversations. And then I’ll see them timidly raise their hand, or nod their head at something said, and next thing you know, they are leading a conversation or suggesting service projects. They bloom before our eyes.
I also love to hear the parents talk about how much they appreciate the program and how it has helped their once-shy daughter come out of their shell. I love hearing from them after they graduate high school, listening to their successes and how they are leading and serving others. Many will call or email us to see how we are and ask if they can come back and talk to the girls. We stress that exact thing throughout their years in the Founders Program: we want to hear from them; we want them to continue the tradition of EA and those eight women who started it all back in 1914! THAT is what it’s all about – girls helping girls; women helping women; service to all!”
Does this program sound interesting to you? Do you know someone who would benefit from the mentoring program? Would you like to make a difference by being a mentor like Kate? Call The Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation (610) 225-0944 to learn more about how you can get involved and make an impact!
