As the year 2000 passed us by, I envisioned making a difference. I sat down with a past employee from my years in broadcast management and good friend and we asked ourselves where can we make a difference. Both of us had faced some serious challenges as teenagers and had some significant support systems that helped us through those years. After some serious discussions and doing our research, Interviewing community leaders--Horizons4Girls was born.
Resources such as United Way of Sheboygan County, Search Institute, Mentoring.org, Lakeland College (now University), Health and Human Services, and area school districts helped H4G create policies and procedures, a program to train and certify mentors that would serve at risk middle and high school female students and done 100% by volunteers.
A mission was created stating that Horizons4Girls ignites that internal spark that empowers students to accomplish their academic and personal goals. Since those early days even students have had input into shaping this program that is proud to brag 100% of students that stay engaged in the program graduate high school, many going on to secondary education options. Mentoring is done teaching study skills, help regarding communication skills, education regarding drugs and alcohol, conflict resolution, experience in life skills, community service and leadership skills.
As ongoing training of mentors has continued including SBIRT, TIC, Resilience, Mental Health First Aid, an age-old concern that would surface is Bullying and its impact. 4 years ago students created a project to bring awareness to, and raise funds - a 5K. For the last several years this was the kick-off of a signature event that celebrated the diversity of the Sheboygan area. One of the goals of the 5K is to award mini-grants to help other groups stop bullying.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19 the Celebrate Diversity event will not take place this year. Being mindful of the safety of everyone involved, the 5K will be virtual this year. A conversion chart has been created, giving participants the opportunity to get involved. Participants will have 3 weeks to complete their chosen activity. That could be doing a standard 5K run or walk. Or, it might be biking, or doing some yoga, or cutting the lawn, or something else.
After registration and submitting their chosen activity they have till October 18 to submit their completion with photos if they like.
A message from Roy Pirrung, International Marathon runner and spokesperson for the event can be found right here.
A TED Talk by Sammy Rangel, also a supporter of Horizons4Girls and their work is found HERE and a short interview of one of the graduates of the H4G program.
Registration and conversion chart can also be found here. Registrations received by September 30TH will be entered in various prize drawings. T-shirts will be supplied to all participants. Completion check-in and photos will be posted in our blog. Please send content to info@horizons4girls.com.
Registration Form
Sponsor Signup Form
Activity Log
