The Jarvis Leadership Squad of Girls Inc. of Holyoke organized a community clean up day on Sunday June 12, 2005 in the Jarvis Heights residence area in Holyoke.

Over 40 volunteers showed up thanks to the great planning efforts of the 15 members of JLS and their intrepid leader Daisy Rivera. The great work of JLS and their cleaning crew is just one example of how Girls Inc. is taking action to make our community a better place.

Throughout the year, JLS's primary focus is to educate youth in the community about health and sex education. They research topics on HIV, AIDS, STD's, and teen pregnancy, and organize presentations on pregnancy prevention and safe sex practices to youth groups throughout the community.
For more information about the Jarvis Leadership Squad or the clean up day, call Daisy Rivera at 533-0796 x204.

    Yamil Maldonado, a former Mentors and Teens Connecting in Holyoke (MATCH) program participant, has been selected by Girls Inc. of Holyoke as the recipient of their 2005 Pa'lante Award for excellence in academics and community service.
Graduating from Holyoke Community College with an associate of liberal arts degree this spring, Maldonado has been also awarded a full scholarship to Springfield College. She plans to pursue a bachelor of social work degree, with the goal of becoming a high school guidance counselor or school administrator for other Holyoke youth.
Maldonado, who has worked for 4 years as a peer leader and teen staff at Girls Inc., will continue her youth work this summer at the North End Community Center in Springfield. Since their pairing in December 2002, Yamil continues to enjoy a strong relationship with her mentor, Becky Vick.
Girls Inc. of Holyoke's MATCH program presented the award at their Annual Appreciation Dinner on June 23, 2005. The evening also celebrated the achievements of MATCH Scholars, mentees who have raised their GPA or who have no unexcused school absences. Mentors were recognized and honored for their volunteer contributions.
For more information about the MATCH program or becoming a mentor, call Peggy Vezina at 533-0796 x112. A training for new mentors will take place on June 4, 2005.

    The Girls Inc. of Holyoke Summer Camp program is up and running at full steam. The program is running at full capacity with 70 girls, ages 5 - 12, enrolled. The program is planning its activities around two themes this year: nature and art. Staying committed to academic support throughout the summer months, Girls Inc. is also providing daily math enrichment sessions each morning. Check back later this summer for photos of our summer camp in action!

    Girls Incorporated of Holyoke is proud to recognize our participants and staff who are graduating this spring. Here's to inspiring all of us to be strong, smart and bold - Congratulations!!

    We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the friends who supported Girls Inc. of Holyoke this year. Just over 500 individuals, businesses and foundation contributed to Girls Inc. of Holyoke between July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005. Your support means new equipment for our sports teams, program supplies for the after school program, talented and dedicated staff, media equipment for our teens and countless other things that we work to provide for our girls. As we continue with our work to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, your generosity means so much to us. Thank you!!