HEAL
Health: Promoting physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through self-care and the development of healthy relationships.
Empathy: Encouraging understanding and appreciation of the struggles and feelings of others.
Altruism: Supporting kindness, generosity, and selflessness towards those in need.
Love: Upholding the idea that everyone is worthy of love and acceptance.
HEAL (Health, Empathy, Altruism, Love) represents the agency's efforts to bring its compelling and unique model to the greater Fairfield County community. This after-school community service program for teen girls who are struggling with a variety of issues and concerns provides opportunities to flourish and grow.
The first HEAL group was launched in Fall, 2008 at Staples High School. A generous grant from the Allianz Foundation of North America made the inception of the program possible.
Who we serve…
HEAL serves girls ages 14-18 who have been identified by their schools as young women who would benefit from a supportive peer group dynamic. A diverse group of five-seven girls become a community of volunteers for one year.
What we do…
After-school two-hour get-togethers are held weekly in a comfortable setting, providing participants with a safe, inviting, and nurturing place to meet. A sense of belonging while building confidence and self-esteem is developed as service to others is planned and carried out. Adult program co-leaders encourage consensus building, focusing on both the positives of the group setting as well as the strengths of each individual.
GOALS:
- Develop empathy for others
- Gain a sense of belonging and purpose
- Exhibit self-knowledge
- Become empowered
- Engage in fewer risky behaviors
- Communicate more effectively
- Problem solve more effectively
- Develop resiliency
- Have feelings of confidence and self-esteem
To refer a girl or to contact us for more information, please call our HEAL program at (203) 222-3430 or email us at heal@projectreturnct.org.