Students' Perspective of HAWC's Youth Outreach Program 


"Thank you so much for being a part of self-esteem day. Your talk with the middle school girls accurately prepared them for what they will encounter once they reach high school. I also think your talk will make them more conscientious of their actions towards one another." 
- C.C. 12th grade / Swampscott High School

"Girls' Group is where girls should go if they need help in life. In Group I have had the opportunity to grow and work and to feel better about myself. It is very resourceful and something to look forward to every Monday morning."
- L.S. 12th grade / Rockport High School

"I learned that you should not make fun of people for what they wear or what they say. I learned how to stand up for myself in a good manner. We learned that is doesn't matter if you are black or white or if you are fat or skinny, or what you eat, wear, look, because everyday you change." - Y.B. 6th grade / Pickering Middle School

"Girls' Group played a big role in my life because it gave me more self-esteem and a chance to be able to accept myself. It was also GREAT talking about problems with people my age and an adult that I could trust. I feel lucky to be in the HAWC group and it has made my life easier by helping me with my problems."
-T.M. 7th grade / O'Maley Middle School

"I learned that one person can make a difference."
- S.S. 6th grade / Pickering Middle School

"I gained confidence in myself and made new friends in the HAWC Girls' Group. This group let me express my feelings and helped to relieve some of my stress. It also has made me more comfortable with my body and I feel more independent because of it."
- A.B. 9th grade / Gloucester High School

"I learned that words can hurt and the hurt of sadness never goes away."
- B.H. 6th grader / Pickering Middle School

"Whenever I left Girls' Group, I would feel happy and better about myself. I gained confidence here and respect for my body. Group has helped me to not care what other people think about how I look and how I act. I could discuss things here that I couldn't talk about at home or in other classes." 
- H.G. 7th grade / Rockport Middle School

" I learned how it feels to be bullied and I shouldn't do it to others."
- A.S. 6th grade / Pickering Middle School

"I learnt that dieting is not the way to feel good about myself."
- K.T. 6th grade / O'Maley Middle School

"Girls' Group is one of the best things I have all week. Coming here keeps me out of trouble." 
- R.N. 4th grade / Willowood Girls Group

"This group was AMAZING! I feel so safe here and I'm very sad that it is over. It has helped me deal so much with my depression and things that have happened in my family. I could open up here and was never discouraged. I learnt how important it is to talk about your feelings instead of keeping them bundled up inside. I hope that this group continues next year."
- C.G. 7th grade / Rockport Middle School