Ocean Partnership for Children Celebrates Women's History and Social Work Month

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Feb. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Highlighting both Women's History Month and Social Work Month through the Girls Empowerment Group is a meaningful way to celebrate the contributions of women, while also recognizing the impactful work of social workers in supporting and empowering young girls.

Since 2018, OPC has been offering the well-established and highly attended Girls Empowerment Group (GEG). Key areas that are addressed include assertiveness training, self-esteem, positive body image, healthy ways of using (or not using) social media, and social connections. Lessons each week are coupled with fun activities and hands-on crafts. Girls will often report making lasting friendships that remain even after the group itself is over.  The group runs 6-week session cohorts (ages 9-12 and 13-17) in the fall and spring.

In February, in honor of Valentine's Day, Girls Empowerment Group hosted their first "Galentine's" event workshop which focused on self-love and inner worth. The girls enjoyed a hot chocolate bar, created their own Valentines Messages to themselves, particiapted in crafts, a fun photo booth, and were given a fresh flower stem to take home.

The leadership team for Girls Empowerment Group consists of OPC's social workers Kate Martinez and Jen Liscombe. Other staff include Justine Giletto, Courtney Freeman, Cereta Dallago, Rashelle Mathieu, Olivia Stragapede, Raquel Garcia, Rosalinda Gonzalo- Quijano, and Alexandria Faraone.  The team is a committed and positive example of the strength of social work. Staff are found wearing t-shirts that read "Empowered women empower women" and each staff member is a powerful example of that.

Teaching young women to love and value who they are is an important and worthwhile mission in helping girls identify their core values and sense of self.  OPC is proud to offer Girls Empowerment Group to the Ocean County community and is excited to expand its reach to any young person who wishes to recognize their own greatness.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.

Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County's Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up to 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep youth at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children's System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org (http://www.oceanpartnership.org/)