Just for Girls

Just for Girls is a program for grade 7 girls. It was designed to help girls safely navigate the rocky road through adolescence while maintaining their dignity and self-esteem.

The program was originally developed to prevent eating disorders and to discuss body-image issues but it has become much more than that.

Just for Girls provides an opportunity for girls to talk about issues that may influence their self confidence and helps them develop skills to combat negative experiences resulting from peer pressure and conflicts with friends.

Format of the Program

Grade 7 girls are given a short presentation about the program and then given an opportunity to join. A maximum of fifteen girls can participate in the group.

The groups are offered during lunch hour or after school in Abbotsford schools. Just for Girls is a ten week program offered in either a fall or winter season.

Parental/guardian permission is required. The girls are reassured of confidentiality unless abuse or harm to self or others is disclosed or suspected.

Facilitators begin by sharing a little of who they are and describe the purpose of the group. They also develop a list of shared expectations.

Each group generates their own set of issues to discuss. Common issues include:

• friends
• rejection by peers
• body image
• communication
• feelings
• boys
• peer pressure
• families
• media

How it Works

Interactive and affirming games are played to encourage a positive feeling of self worth.

Role plays and experiential exercises are used to identify ways to cope with experiences. Feelings and experiences are validated. Group discussion, journalling and art projects are used to help girls work through their issues and develop a positive sense of themselves and their abilities.

Group Leaders

Just for Girls is facilitated by trained university practicum students from the Child and Youth Care program and the Nursing program at UCFV.

They work under the supervision of the Just for Girls Coordinator and the Executive Director of the Abbotsford Youth Commission.

For more information about Just for Girls just contact the Abbotsford Youth Commission.

How to Join

For more information or to register, contact:

Just for Girls Coordinator

Phone: 604.854.8785
Fax: 604.854.8092
Email: programs@abbyyouth.com

Drop in or Mail:
101-32383 S. Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC  V2T 1W6