Thanks to a grant from the Bingham Program, last year Hardy Girls Healthy Women launched a 3-year outreach initiative to work with community stakeholders to enhance and expand girls' development programming in Maine's rim counties.
Hardy Girls programming is being implemented across Washington County by groups centered in Milbridge, Machias, and Calais. Last year, community members came together to assess the strengths and challenges in providing quality programming for girls.
As a result of the efforts of these groups, programs such as Girls' Coalition Groups, Adventure Girls, a Gender and Pop Culture Film Series, and a Community Education/Media Campaign are in the process of being established.
back to topThe first meeting in Washington County was held on March 18 in Machias, where members identified the challenges girls faced, the strengths these girls had, and resources for girls which already exist in Washington County.
Washington County Strengths and Challenges
Risks and Strengths--According to Girls from Washington County
The Cultivating Hardiness Zones Training was held in July at Machias Grange (Beehive Collective).
back to topBeautiful Day-Machias
Saturday, July 11th
8:30am-4pm
Cobscook Community Learning Center
Honor inner and outer beauty with a day of free workshops.
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a dish to share for a potluck lunch.
back to topIf you are interested in learning more about the initiative in Washington County, contact Marissa at marissa@hghw.org or (207)861-8131.
It is our collective hope that we can create a place for our girls to grow and develop into "Hardy Girls and Healthy Women." With Hardy Girls Healthy Women's guidance and support, the way forward becomes a reality and a promise.– Beth Clifford, Curriculum Coordinator of Maine Indian Education
"As you may know Washington County has the highest unemployment rate in the state. The number of children living in poverty here in Washington County is also the highest in the state. The high school drop-out rate is the 2nd highest in the state. The incidence of drug addiction per capita is astounding. Domestic violence prevalence is higher than ever, and most recently, Washington County was cited as one of a thousand counties in the entire nation showing an increase in the mortality rates for women. All of these things have a drastic effect on girls and women here in Washington County. It is our responsibility to ensure that these numbers decrease, and that we educate and inspire our girls and women to be "hardy." It is our responsibility to foster collaborative relationships in order to be successful in our efforts." - Nichole Jellison, CareerCenter Manager, Maine Dept. of Labor
Washington County
Allies Flower created by a Girls’ Coalition Group
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