HER, SHE, FEMME, JAMILA (BEAUTIFUL LADY)

We aim to provide stability to families by connecting them to valuable resources and comprehensive holistic programs.
To mentor and support girls and their parents who reside in the Upstate.
Mentoring programs have been shown to significantly impact the lives of girls.
These statistics demonstrate the profound and lasting impact that mentoring organizations can have on the lives of girls, setting them on a path to success, confidence, and leadership.

Higher Academic Achievement
- Mentored students are 55% more likely to enroll in college than those who do not have a mentor
- Girls who participate in mentoring programs show improved grades and school attendance. They are also more likely to complete high school.

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem
- 78% of girls in mentoring programs report higher self-confidence and resilience than their peers
- Mentored youth are more likely to believe they have control over their future, helping them develop a growth mindset and a positive self-image.

Improved Mental Health and Reduced Risk Behaviors
- Mentoring reduces the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors by 45%, such as drug use, truancy, and other delinquent behaviors
- Girls who have mentors report lower levels of anxiety and depression and experience higher overall well-being.

Enhanced Career Readiness
- Girls with mentors are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions and engage in career-building activities compared to their peers
- 76% of mentored youth report having clear professional goals and better career aspirations than those without a mentor.

Increased Community Engagement
- Girls with mentors are more likely to become engaged in their communities, participating in volunteer work, social activism, and mentoring others, which creates a positive cycle of support and leadership.

Long-Term Success
- Girls who receive mentoring support in high school are more likely to have higher income levels as adults and continue to pursue higher education.
- Mentored youth are also more likely to continue seeking mentorship throughout their lives, recognizing the value of guidance and support in personal and professional growth.

Bloom Upstate presents
Summer Program and Girl’s Camp
Our Mission
• To mentor and support girls and their parents who reside in the Upstate.
• To empower and support girls and their parents who reside in the Upstate.
• To empower girls and their families to thrive holistically.
Our Vision
RELATIONSHIPS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
At Bloom Upstate, we understand the importance of fostering healthy relationships within peer groups as a vital part of our holistic and tiered mentor support system. Peer groups offer girls a safe and creative space where they can be their authentic selves. In these environments, girls can freely voice their ideas and opinions, which encourages the development of critical thinking skills. When girls are empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment, they strengthen their confidence and boost their self-esteem. These positive relationships build a foundation for mutual support, helping each girl thrive within a sisterhood that nurtures personal growth, social connections, and leadership potential.
This aligns with Bloom Upstate’s Relationship petal of positive youth development by emphasizing the critical role of healthy peer interactions in building self-esteem, fostering creativity, and encouraging personal and social growth. By providing a safe space where girls can be authentic and express themselves freely, the peer groups and mentor support systems promote the development of mutual respect and trust, which are the hallmarks of positive relationships.
These environments nurture:
Confidence and Leadership: By encouraging girls to voice their ideas without fear, they learn to lead and advocate for themselves and others.
Sisterhood and Support: The peer relationships formed in these groups create a network of mutual encouragement that extends beyond individual growth to collective empowerment.
Critical Thinking Skills: Open dialogue and shared experiences in a judgment-free space help girls analyze, problem-solve, and think critically, strengthening their ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Foundation for Lifelong Healthy Relationships: Experiencing positive relationships in youth sets the stage for healthy interpersonal interactions throughout life.
By integrating these elements into programming, Bloom Upstate equips girls with the relational tools necessary for thriving in their personal and community lives, fulfilling the Relationship petal’s vision.
CAREER & COLLEGE READINESS
Bloom Upstate’s College and Career Readiness petal is a core component of its 5 petals of positive youth development, which also include Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Healthy Relationships, and Healthy Life Skills. This petal focuses on equipping young girls with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate higher education pathways and pursue fulfilling careers.
Key Features of the College and Career Readiness Petal:
Skill Building:
- Workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and effective communication.
- Leadership development to help girls gain confidence in professional settings.
Exposure to Opportunities:
- Career days with professionals from diverse fields to introduce girls to various career paths.
- College tours to help participants envision themselves in higher education spaces.
- Internships or job shadowing programs to provide real-world experiences.
Guidance and Mentorship:
- One-on-one and group mentorship programs where participants receive support from professionals, alumni, and community leaders.
- Assistance with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
Academic Support:
- Tutoring programs to strengthen academic performance in critical subjects.
- Time management and study skills workshops to enhance academic success.
STEM and Innovation Initiatives:
- Programs that encourage girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
- Hands-on projects that foster critical thinking and innovation.
How It Aligns with Bloom Upstate’s Mission:
The College and Career Readiness petal aligns with Bloom Upstate’s mission by preparing girls to pursue their aspirations confidently, break cycles of poverty, and become leaders in their communities. It emphasizes self-sufficiency, ambition, and the belief that girls can shape their futures through education and career success.
This petal complements the other four by addressing education and career readiness as a foundational aspect of a well-rounded, empowered life.
HELPING GIRLS KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE
Helping Mothers & Parental Figures through Two-Generational Programming
Bloom Upstate acknowledges the critical role that family plays in the well-being and development of young people. We empower both mothers and parental figures by offering a range of resources and support systems that promote independence and encourage healthy family dynamics.
1. Parenting Classes
Our comprehensive parenting classes provide valuable knowledge, skills, and emotional support for parents navigating the challenges of raising children. These classes focus on practical parenting strategies, child development, effective communication, and building healthy relationships within the family.
2. MJ’s Compassion Closet
Through MJ’s Compassion Closet, we offer essential items such as clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products for families in need. This program ensures that parents have access to resources that relieve financial strain and contribute to their children’s well-being and success.
3. Case Management & Community Resource Connections
Our case management services provide personalized support to families by connecting them to vital community resources. Whether it’s access to healthcare, housing assistance, food programs, or other social services, our case managers work closely with families to remove barriers and provide pathways to independence.
By combining these services, Bloom Upstate is dedicated to building stronger families and communities through two-generational programming that supports both parents and GIRLS. We believe that empowering mothers and parental figures is a key factor in breaking generational cycles of poverty and improving long-term outcomes for GIRLS.
Our Partners
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A GIRL’S LIFE