About New Voices Program

Under the direction of Judge Karen Lawson, the New Voices Program was launched in January 2010 to address low self esteem in young women involved in the Juvenile Justice system. This self esteem group teaches girls to use their voices to speak for themselves and recognize that they can make positive choices in their lives. Group size is limited to 8 girls and each session is 8 weeks long. Weeks One through Seven are educational in nature and week eight is graduation night. Topics range from personal values, relationship issues, family issues, peers, bullying, Internet safety, decision making, personal goals and ones journey ahead. Group is held once per week for three hours in the evening during which a light dinner is provided. These dinners help teach social skills that in turn improves the girls self esteem. Group activities include readings and discussion and art projects such as painting and collage. Guest speakers address individual goals and present their own journey to becoming successful community leaders. All group work stresses core values and how they affect the girl's choices and decisions in life.