The Impact Agency, a positive change initiative from the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office, recently inducted over 30 new members into its recently launched girls division.

Under the direction of Edriena Alexander, the girls division will work with middle and high school girls from across Calcasieu parish to hone their leadership skills as they develop into productive young women in society. Alexander brings 25 years of mentoring experience to the division and said the experience of young girls growing up today is different than the past.

“It’s the technology and what they’re exposed to,” she said. “For parents it can be difficult to keep up with all of this technology plus trying to make sure that their daughter is not going through some type of mental or social breakdown.”

As an effort too provide greater community support, the girls division meets each Sunday for sessions that focus on mental health, self-love, understanding their body, leadership and career opportunities.

Girls also work sharpen to their English and math skills each session to ensure a wellrounded experience, Alexander said.

Guest speakers and field trips are also included in the experience with the high school students scheduled to visit a historical black colleges and universities fair in Houston this weekend.

“We want to expose them to the opportunity outside of our city and give them a chance to preview life after high school,” she said.

As the girls division charter year, Alexander said the curriculum and all of its events are designed to “ground”,” “strengthen” and “build their value.”

“We want to teach them to use their voice. You have a right to speak your mind. You have a right to the feelings you have. Teach them to be comfortable in the skin you’re in.”

Drawing on cues from the successful boys division, Alexander said once girls complete the program, “They will be able to integrate every principle of our program into their daily lives which will have a positive impact in their sphere of influence

For more information on The Impact Agency: Girls Division contact DeAnne Winey, recruitment coordinator, at dwiney@cpdao.org.