Girls Matter Support Group Celebrates Self-Care and Confidence

Introducing the EMYA Girls Matter Support Group

Excel Middle Years Academy recently hosted a special gathering for its newly formed girls’ support group. “EMYA Girls Matter,” a program specifically designed to promote self-care, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections among young women.

Activities That Shape Confidence and Self-Care

At the group’s first session, students participated in activities centered on emotional growth, self-confidence, and personal expression. For this reason, a highlight of the day was coloring therapy, chosen for its ability to encourage relaxation, spark creativity, and support emotional well-being.

Additionally, students engaged in guided discussions focused on uplifting one another, encouraging positive behavior, and strengthening sisterhood within the school community.

Honoring a Leader Who Inspires the Girls Matter Movement

Group members participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the school’s administrative office to honor Latrice Mason, a licensed therapist and author of “Hey Sis, I See You.” The dedication recognized Mason’s commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for young women and her partnership in advancing the program’s mission.

Students Reflect on the EMYA Girls Matter Support Group

Student Tynisha shared her excitement about the experience.“Girls Group was fun! And it was very educational,” said Tynisha. “We talked a lot about emotions, finding new, detailed ways to express how we feel, and we did coloring therapy as well. People were very interested and did a great job participating. As a result, everybody felt welcomed and comfortable talking about their feelings and thoughts.”

Positive Community Feedback for the Girls Matter Program

Feedback from students, staff, and families has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants leaving the event feeling empowered, supported, and connected.

“When I heard about Girls Matter, I knew that it was a program that aligned with my personal beliefs,” said Mason. “This was a promise I made to the girl I used to be. Growing up in West Philly taught me resilience, but sisterhood taught me strength. ‘Hey Sis, I See You’ is the heartbeat of that sisterhood, a reminder that no girl should ever feel invisible, unheard, or alone. This work is my dedication to building spaces where young women feel seen, supported, and safe to talk about their mental health.”

Supporting Mental Health Through Girls Matter Programming

She added that her mental health training allows her to provide young women with the tools, language, and safe space to heal, grow, and understand themselves.

“With the introduction of the girls’ support group and the dedicated space created for these gatherings, Excel Middle Years Academy is committed to continuing programs and workshops that support the social-emotional development of girls throughout the school year,” said Sadiqa D. Lucas, M.Ed., director, Excel Middle Years Academy.

Plans include ongoing workshops, events, and resources to further support the well-being of girls at Excel Middle Years Academy.