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May 3, 2018Yesterday, VASJ’s GEM (Girls Empowerment Meetings) volunteered at WomenSafe in Chardon, a nonprofit domestic violence shelter and resource center.
“We decided to go there because GEM is all about helping fellow women out and bringing each other up,” says Ms. Tonica Johnson, one of the English teachers who started the club. “One in four suffer from some form of domestic violence, so we wanted our young ladies to be aware of this issue and assist those that have had to go through it.”
"The girls were very humbled by learning about the effects of violence and impressed by the resources that were available at the shelter," Johnson says. "It was a beautiful day to give back to the community and all were happy that they were able to help."
GEM is in its fourth year at VASJ. Created by two female English teachers, Johnson and Ms. Michelle Perusek ’07, GEM was created to promote positive self-images and healthy relationships among young women. Since it was founded, it has also incorporated professional development, etiquette training, and volunteer service.
“Our goal is to develop well-rounded young ladies before they venture out into the ‘real world,’” Johnson says.
