Members of John Paul II Center for Special Learning’s Girl Talk 101 visited Boscov’s East on Friday for a special shopping experience. The students were treated to a private cosmetics tutorial presented by Boscov’s staff prior to Christmas shopping at the store.
“We are so excited for this very special experience, made possible by our friends at Boscov’s. We are grateful to their staff for preparing a fun and educational morning. Leading up to the trip, the girls are participating in exercises about giving back, caring, and sharing. Focusing on life skills such as these is at the heart of our Girl Talk 101 program. This month’s lesson teaches the girls about the importance of giving back. They will be asked to purchase one item to give away to one of the non-profits where we volunteer. The rest of the gift card will be used to make small purchases for their family members. There are so many relevant life skills at play here; staying on budget, compromising, sharing, compassion for others…the list goes on and on,” explains Rene’ Berkhammer, JPII Transition Coordinator.
The Girl Talk 101 program is for JPII female students ages 10-21. Each month they listen to presentations from subject matter experts or explore the community to experience new activities. The program is in its second year and is made possible through a grant provided by the Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund, administered by the Berks County Community Foundation.
“I would like to personally thank our Power of the Purse supporters,” Berkhammer continues. “Without their funding, this program would not exist. As the girls grow, evolve, and transform, they become more self-aware of what it means to be an influential young woman of today. They have become friends, advocates, done things way outside their comfort zone, tried new experiences, tasted new foods, learned about their bodies, and so much more. The grant allows us to carve out time monthly and create opportunities the girls would not have otherwise. What an amazing opportunity these girls have to make a difference.”
Located in Shillington, John Paul II Center for Special Learning encourages children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their purpose and reach for goals through unique special education and social programming.
