From the United Way of Henderson County:
UPWARD ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF Girls EMpowered (GEM)
FLAT ROCK, NC, May 2, 2017- Members of Women United, United Way of Henderson County’s affiliate group for women, hosted a celebration at Flat Rock Playhouse on Saturday to honor fourteen fifth grade girls from Upward Elementary School who have completed the GEM (Girls EMpowered) Program this spring. Women United members were joined by Upward Elementary staff and the girls’ families for the event. The GEM Program was created by Upward staff and Women United members this year to give fifth grade girls a boost in self-confidence and support before they make the challenging transition to middle school this summer.
“GEM builds up young women and encourages them to follow their dreams,” says Dr. Jan King, Women United Member and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Henderson County Public Schools. “From career exploration to studying resilient women who overcame challenges, the GEM lessons have planted seeds of a ‘can-do’ attitude among the students as the girls prepare to transition to middle school.”
During this event at the Playhouse, 45 attendees enjoyed a luncheon catered by Rae’s Cottage Kitchen. GEM participants spoke about how the program has impacted their lives. Women United members then presented each girl with a certificate and backpack full of middle school supplies. All attendees also enjoyed a performance of “Smokey Joe’s Café.”
“The Playhouse team was more than happy to help host these wonderful young ladies as they celebrated with their families, teachers, and classmates at the conclusion of an important and positive program. Offering our own gifts and talents to enhance the world for someone else, even for an afternoon, is the best sort of day at FRP,” says Lisa K. Bryant, Women United Member and Artistic Director of Flat Rock Playhouse.
Women United is United Way of Henderson County’s new affiliate group for women who have a passion for improving our community. Launched in the fall of 2016, Women United has grown to 45 members who are focusing their efforts on being advocates for young women in our community. Denise Cumbee Long, Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County, believes it offers a way for women to complement their philanthropy with volunteerism. “Members of Women United are excited about helping young girls find the confidence to ‘dream big’ and succeed. Seeing how GEM has impacted the girls at Upward Elementary has been truly inspiring for all of us.” Plans for the fall GEM session are already underway.
More information about Women United can be found on the United Way website, www.liveunitedhc.org, under the “Get Involved” tab. Those interested in learning more about Women United and GEM are invited to attend a summer soiree at The Cove on June 6 at 5:30 p.m. Email or call Adrienne Pomeroy, apomeroy@liveunitedhc.org, 828-692-1636 ext 1111, for more information.
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