OUR PROGRAMS FOCUS ON...

Helping to Ensure Academic Success

Currently, the graduation rate at Annapolis High School (where our girls currently or will attend) is only 73% whereas the rate for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) is 88%. AACPS has been taking major steps to address these disparities.

Our volunteers noticed that several EGC participants were not reading at grade level. The Eastport Community Center offers a “homework time”, but these services were provided in an area that was not conducive for concentration. Therefore, EGC spearheaded an effort to relocate and refurbish an improved area for homework. With the new area complete, the EGC’s Tutoring Program Coordinator and trained Reading Specialist assesses each girl’s learning style and reading level. She then develops an individual tutoring plan that is implemented by a trained volunteer working one-on-one with each girl.

Equipping Youth with Life Skills

We observed that several of our girls have difficulty managing anger and handling themselves positively in various social, cultural, and personal situations. Thus, our programming focuses on teaching specific life skills (e.g., social skills, anger management) and on providing opportunities to practice these skills.

Providing Nurturing and Supportive Relationships and Resources

As we have formed relationships with the girls, they have shared anxieties, anger, sadness, and fear. Due to the behaviors many of the girls demonstrate, EGC obtained a grant to have a masters-level counselor available during EGC meetings. The counselor helps create a positive climate, and responds to behavioral concerns. She also provides one-on-one support and problem solving. Our counseling service also helps link girls and their families to additional community resources.

Offering Enriching Experiences and Opportunities

We discovered that many of our participants are fearful of trying new things and venturing beyond their public housing community. Reassuring them of their abilities and recognizing their fears has led to successful trips to Washington DC museums, Baltimore, and to using new forms of transportation (e.g., riding on the DC Metro).

Offering Adults a Sense of Empowerment and Connection

In addition to promoting youth strengths and addressing their needs, EGC also serves an important need for adults involved with planning and running the programming. EGC began at a time when violent crimes had increased in Eastport. For some Eastport residents, this caused a sense of fear and tension between the public housing area and other Eastport neighborhoods. The creation of EGC has resulted in a positive sense of community among ethnically, socially, and culturally diverse residents of Eastport.