OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES
Voices & Choices' mission is to ensure that girls in our community have a voice, a sense of belonging and value, and a purpose.

Our vision is that through the provision of female-specific programs, inclusion of parental involvement, expressed needs of girls and community support; Voices & Choices will reduce delinquency and improve the life skills of Leelanau County girls.

Voices & Choices:
Values the unique needs of females
Values the female perspective
Celebrates and honors the female experience
Respects and takes into account female development
Empower young women and girls to reach their full potential


PROGRAMS/SCHOLARSHIPS-offered on an individual basis to assist young women pursuing their personal goals and dreams. Examples include: night school to complete GED; piano lessons; counseling; climbing wall; soccer lessons; dance lessons; art classes; and mother/daughter yoga.

WORKSHOPS- (Eyes Wide Open)- healthy, fun, diverse activities, offered to middle and high school girls in an indirectly educational design. Workshops have included: self-defense; yoga; jewelry making; renting your own apartment; healthy meal preparation; applying for a loan; dance; candle making; horseback riding; screen printing; mask making; and painting...

COMMUNITY AND PARENT EDUCATION-conferences and workgroups geared towards educating the community and parents about gender specific differences, topics and concerns.

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION- activities that focus on outdoor and indoor, hands-on experiences. Includes: high/low ropes courses; teamwork initiatives;
skill building; assertiveness training; kayaking, tree climbing.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER RETREATS-these take place in a variety of formats and locations. They are designed around the specific needs expressed at the time of planning. We focus on strengthening healthy relationships between mothers, daughters, and families.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUPS-using digital and 35mm photography for self-expression and building self-esteem while learning photography.

GIRLS ON THE RUN- a 6-8 week, curriculum-based program, that focuses on self-esteem, fitness, setting and reaching goals, feeling great about being a girl,
and much more. It is offered every spring to 3-5th grade girls. Each school in Leelanau County participates in this nationally recognized program.

LENDING LIBRARY-we have a large resource of books, videos and articles to educate on a variety of young women's issues and topics.

Contact Laura Miller, Voices & Choices Project Coordinator, for more information. 256-0235