At-risk teens to write their way to confidence

A unique writing, empowerment and mentorship program for a diverse group of at-risk teenage girls is set to kick off this week.

A unique writing, empowerment and mentorship program for a diverse group of at-risk teenage girls is set to kick off this week. (Flickr: hang_in_there)

Fifteen young women from Jurupa Valley, ages 14-17, will be begin The Write of Your Life program on Feb. 22 at the Jurupa District Training and Support Center.

The diverse group is composed of teens overcoming harrowing hurdles as well as girls seeking an opportunity for self-empowerment and mentorship.

The Write of Your Life is a 10-week writing and mentorship program created and taught by Women Wonder Writers.

The class will be taught by professional women with experience working with teens, including Riverside Deputy District Attorney Kacey Sutton, Paralegal Jasmine Marquez, MADD victim advocate Kathy Ediss, and community volunteer Rosa Castallanos.

The program generally targets young women who have been exposed to gang violence, broken homes, abuse, and drugs. Many of the young women live in racially divided communities and may be struggling academically. The lessons in the program are dedicated to helping teens write about their journeys, give them confidence to reach their full academic potential, and encourage them to help their community by practicing tolerance.

The Write of Your Life was created by Debra Postil, Tara Urban and Nikki Randolph, three professional women from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

Professional women and youth leaders meet once a week in the evening for 10 weeks with young women selected around Riverside County. The Write of Your Life is supported by Riverside County Deputy District Attorney’s Association, Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach, City of Riverside, Riverside Youth Opportunity Center, and Riverside County Office of Education.

The young women will commence the program from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Feb, 22 at the Jurupa District Training and Support Center located at 3942 Riverview Drive in Riverside.

To learn more, visit www.WomenWonderWriters.com.