BERLIN- Middle school. Long known as the transitional time between childhood and the teenage years, it can be a struggle for many students. They begin to face academic pressure, may experience bullying and can battle with self-esteem issues. It can be particularly difficult for girls.
A program offered by Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) aims to change that. SAGES, or Strengthening Adolescent Girls with Education and Support, offers education and support to girls in seventh- and eighth-grade.
“We realized there was a lack of resources for girls at that age,” said Lauren Williams, coordinator of the program, “when there’s so much that’s happening during the middle school years.”
Williams said Worcester Youth and Family Counseling created the SAGES program 13 years ago. Through it, girls in middle school are able to meet once a week to talk about whatever issues they might be facing and discuss positive changes they can make.
“It’s a safe place for the girls to come together and problem solve,” Williams said.
There are currently 14 girls in the program. They’ve been invited by counselors at WYFCS, recommended by teachers or have heard about it through word of mouth. Regardless of how they came to join it, they’re eager to attend each week.
Seventh-grader Kyleah Lambert-Nock says she enjoys joking around with the other girls in the program but appreciates the more serious discussions too.
“When you’re going through something, people give you advice,” she said.
Williams works with the girls on goal setting, problem solving and improving relationships. They’re provided opportunities for counseling if they’re interested and talk about issues they face as 12- and 13-year olds. This week, the girls talked about tobacco prevention and why it was an important message to spread, particularly as new products and practices like electronic cigarettes and vaping have become popular.
“They’re creating a campaign to teach other people,” Williams said.
In the summer, the girls go on field trips to places like Assateague Island and the Ocean City Center for the Arts.
“They like to be able to get out,” Williams said.
She also shows them the importance of giving back to the community with volunteer opportunities. SAGES participants have made scarves for Women Supporting Women and have made pillowcase dresses for children in need. The girls involved say they enjoy the array of activities they take part in through the program but always come back to the satisfaction they get from simply talking with a group of their peers.