MAHANOY CITY — The young girls who attended the “Head to Soul” makeover at Zion Baptist Church learned more about each other Sunday.
The 15 girls got to know more about each other by asking questions such as whether they liked swimming, technology or reading.
It was the first of a 10-session program meant to improve the lives of young girls in Schuylkill County by helping them build self-confidence and develop healthful character traits. The sessions will be held at the church on consecutive Sundays, with the last being June 12. No session will be held May 8, which is Mother’s Day, according to newspaper archives.
Sharon Mullin, pastor, contacted Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County about the program.
“I think it’s very important for young girls to have a very positive self-image,” Mullin said.
She learned about the two programs that were held in Pottsville by Care Net and asked if they could do something in Mahanoy City. At the end of the program, the participants will receive a book “Head to Soul,” a copy of which was at the church Sunday.
Kylie Dorneman, 11, of Mahanoy City, said she joined to meet new people and had a fun time Sunday.
Some questions helped the girls open up about themselves at the first session.
One girl said she does not like chocolate.
“Angel, how can you dislike chocolate?” Dana Oravitz, a Care Net volunteer and program coordinator, asked.
The girl said that chocolate makes her sick.
Another girl said she was born in Virginia, which the other participants hadn’t known.
One question focused on what the participants wanted to be when they grew up. One girl said she wanted to be a nurse. Another said she wanted to be a lawyer.
Oravitz told the girls that every week they are going to have a test about character qualities “just to get us to look inward a little bit. It’s good to find out where our weaknesses are,” she said.
She also told the girls that if they speak up during the sessions, they will get play money to redeem for items.
“I want to hear your voice. This is your program,” Oravitz said.
There will be different sessions geared for girls, usually between 11 and 17 years old, Oravitz said.
Mullin said the program is still open to those who want to join. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. For more information, email carenetteenprogram@gmail.com.