Just over a year ago, Hillside Children's Center in Auburn opened the doors on the Gaining Resiliency through Overall Wellness (GROW) program to offer new hope to female victims of severe trauma. Since the first day, the program and our staff have helped young women ages 12 to 18 from all over Central New York address their trauma symptoms and shift their identity to being a survivor, rather than a victim, of trauma.

In addition to offering our teens therapeutic treatment, one of the goals of the GROW program is to help our girls develop a network of at least two supportive adults, as well as community resources for long-term relationships once they leave GROW.

To accomplish this goal, the young women in the GROW program need caring adults to serve as mentors. Although there is to specific job description, being a mentor to these youth often starts with a shared interest or hobby. Regular communication, visits and shared activities help develop a strong and lasting bond. GROW mentors provide the GROW girls with the guidance and support they need to succeed in life. As the mentors have helped the youth in the program grow and develop self-confidence, they find their own lives have been changed, as well.

There are certain requirements to become a mentor. What is most important, however, is that mature, responsible women and couples looking to become mentors have a sincere desire to help a young woman realize her potential and achieve her dreams.

Contact Hillside Children's Center toll-free at (888) 514-4455 to learn more about the GROW program.

Maria Manna

Auburn

Manna is program manager of the GROW Program at Hillside Children's Center