My name is Vera Edwards and I am the Founder of Project Girl Code, NFP.
Project Girl Code, NFP is a 501(c) (3) non for profit whose vision is to cultivate and encourage young girls, to see themselves in a more beautiful and positive way. Our mission is to assist them in building their confidence using art therapy and interactive journaling. We meet monthly to provide a safe and consistent space for them to express their feelings and emotions and to be able to share life experiences with their peers. We use art therapy, painting, scrapbooking, and journaling as a few different outlets of expressions to allow the girls to express themselves uniquely. During our monthly sessions, we provide a variety of resources that can be used to model positivity and aid with self-growth techniques.

Each session includes activities with positive affirmations, guidance on managing emotions, opportunities to journal, as well goal setting. The sessions also provide practical training exercises that can help build meaningful relationships with their peers as well as others. They can also be used to combat peer pressure related challenges. Annually, we host two outreach events. During the month of May, we host a toiletry drive to collect personal hygiene items to bring awareness to teenage homelessness and mental health among children. During the month of December, we annually host an intergenerational cookie bake to promote healthy relationships. The second Saturday of every December was chosen to honor the cookie baking legacy of the founder's grandmother, Garnell DeRamus by baking home-made cookies. We solicit volunteers to spend an entire day baking cookies. All supplies and ingredients are provided by the foundation and the events are open to the public at no cost to the participants. All donations are used for that purpose.

I am excited about the newly planned events for this year. Stay tuned for our event schedule that will be finalized and posted soon.