Thelma Ragsdale sent in this write-up about a mentoring program for girls in Dixwell and Newhallville:
The mentees at the Dixwell/Newhallville Girl’s Mentoring Program were engaged and excited after participating in Banking 101 and a Sewing lesson from two dynamic community leaders: Lynn Smith of START Community Bank and Vivian Fripp Elbert of Village of POWER of the Cornell Scott Hill Health Corporation.
The newest shining star of New Haven is START Community Bank located at 299 Whalley Ave. Lynn Smith, vice-president, is just one example of what community banking is all about. Ms. Smith spent her Saturday morning teaching the basic of banking to the Dixwell/Newhallville Girl’s Mentoring Program at the New Haven Police Substation on Charles Street. Ms. Smith gave the mentees a very informative lesson in Banking 101 – Saving Money (Pay Yourself First) and Writing Checks (Pay your bills on time). The Mentees were very excited to volunteer as bank customers and workers in her demonstrations. And finally each mentee left the training session with a gift bag from the Bank and a $1,000,000 check made out to them, signed for deposit only.
The Cornell Scott Hill Health Corporation on Dixwell Avenue provides a day program (Village of Power) to women who are in transition. Ms. Elbert, the Vocational Coordinator, teach sewing and a variety of other craft ideas to participate five days a week. Ms. Elbert brought her expertise experience to the Mentees for a crash course on basic sewing. Each Mentee either sewed a scarf or a bag after their quick lesson. The future goal is to coordinate a sewing session for each month to work on and complete a quilt for the first Family as a gift to them as we continue to raise funds for our trip to Washington, D.C. next year.
The missions for the Dixwell/Newhallville Girl’s Mentoring Program are to improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods through beautification projects and food drives/fundraisers for two food pantries in the communities: Varrick AME Church on Dixwell Avenue and Macedonia Church on Newhall Street. The goal is to empower, encourage, build self esteem and prevent high school dropout for the girls while giving back to the community. The Dixwell/Newhallville Girl’s Mentoring Program meets the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10:00a.m. to l:00p.m. at the Dixwell Police Substation at 28 Charles. For more information please contact Thelma Ragsdale at (203)676‑6578 or (203)397‑3533.