Enrollment
Testimonies
Here's what a few of our little sisters and parents had to say:
"Dear Ms. Gena,
Developing Butterflies has been a great mentoring program for my daughter 2017-2018. They have sessions weekly on various topics that they feel will help the young ladies when it comes to day to day life. My daughter looked forward to going to the weekly sessions. It has allowed her to open up some to others and not stay to herself when she is around people she does not know. If I have had a concern or question, Ms. Gena was there for me and my family. If she couldn't help me, then she would have one of the other big Sisters reach out to me and help me with my daughter or whatever was going on.
This year has been a trying year with my daughter and for our family. But, with God and the Developing Butterflies we are getting through the trials and tribulations this year.
I would like to say Thank you to Ms. Gena and all of the Big Sisters that take time out of their lives on Thursday evenings to mentor my daughter and all of the other young ladies.
Thank you,
Mrs. Cunningham"
"Developing Butterflies Mentor Program was like a breath of fresh air for my family. My daughter who is the middle child and only girl was having issues with expressing herself in a single parent home with a mother that works full time and 2 brothers. It was like I didn't know how to soothes her woes. She was unapproachable so we often argued.
Then came Butterflies, she got to meet with other women and peers that could give her a different perspective and she did a 360. I am forever grateful for the time and effort these ladies devote to these developing ladies and I promise she has come out that cocoon and is soaring to higher heights daily!"
-Davina Williams
"Developing butterflies has been awesome for my daughter who normally portrays to be quiet and very shy LOL. It didn’t take long for the big sister’s of DB and even the little sisters, getting her to open up! She enjoys their weekly group meetings and the different topics and activities.
When she first started the program, I couldn’t gauge whether she was enjoying it or not but after some time, she gets in the car excited when I pick her up. I only ask if she enjoyed her session instead of asking all the details, that way she has her positive outlet outside of Home. If there happens to be a situation at home, I share with her big sisters of DB and they do a great job keeping her encouraged and being a part of her village. I encourage other mothers to enroll their daughter’s as it is a great program and gives the girls an extra outlet outside of home to express themselves, learn about life from positive women other than mom, and also gain knowledge from the many positive experiences they are exposed to. My family and I are forever grateful for the many blessings and loved received from all the big sister’s, little sister’s and all the people who’ve blessed the girls of DB!❤️"
-Clarissa Foster
Imani Cunningham
"Developing Butterflies is great. This program not only has helped me create relationships with new people, but I have learned a lot from my big sisters, as well as the other speakers that have presented to us. From learning briefly how to coupon, to learning what it takes to become an entrepreneur and a whole board of other things we have learned, this program has been quit the learning experience. I’m thankful for having this kind of support system because I know that each one of my sisters is rooting for my success. I’m also thankful that all of these girls and women have given me a reason to smile. They keep me laughing and keep my mind going and most of the time I need that in my life. I LOVE MY SISTERS. ☺️💜🦋
Imani,
(A.K.A Nicole)"
Adriaun Johnson
"Developing Butterflies means to me that I get to talk about things I don't wanna tell my mom. Also I learned about things that can help me in life.
It's helping me to change my attitude!
Adriaun Johnson"
ENROLLMENT
Young ladies enrolling in the program, please read "Mentee Expectation" and fill out Section 1 form.
Parents/Guardians fill out Section 2, please and thank you. We look forward to you joining our program!
Mentee Expectation
As a mentee, I agree to:
1. Treat my big sister as a friend.
2. Tell my big sister if I’m uncomfortable with a suggested activity.
3. Follow the rules of the program and my parent(s)/guardian(s).
4. Tell my parent(s)/guardians(s) about the activities my big sister and I do together.
5. Tell my parents(s)/guardian(s) or program staff if I am uncomfortable with the
relationship between my big sister and me.
6. Not talk, text, or play on electronic devices excessively when I’m with my big sister or
at mentoring events.
7. Tell my parents(s)/ guardian(s) or program staff if my big sister uses tobacco, drinks
alcohol, or takes illegal drugs when we are together.
8. Tell my parents(s)/ guardian(s) or program staff if anyone touches me in a way that
makes me feel uncomfortable.
9. Expect my big sister to treat me as a friend. My big sister should not share my
personal information with others unless there is possible threat of harm to others or me.
10. NOT have overnight visits with my big sister. There are NO exceptions.
11. Complete, along with my parent(s)/ guardian(s), paperwork in the fall and spring that
shows the skill I am gaining in the program.
12. Give my permission to have my photo/voice used by Developing Butterflies big sister
program for promotional purposes.
Section 1 - Little Sister Application
Section 2 - Parent/Guardian Family Information
Big Sister Volunteering
D.B. big sisters are women who care, support and provide an image our little sisters can relate to. Before we were big sisters we were the little sisters that dealt with things as adolescents. With self-determination, support and the right decisions, we learned and overcame. Having the opportunity to build standing supportive relationships to share what we have learned to help guide and build the self-confidence our little sisters need so they will not be distracted by what life has to offer, and they will continue to be the leaders they are meant to be.
Requirements (for long term): role model, leadership skills, commit to one year, have not been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation (applicants convicted of felonies may be considered to be an advocate based on crime, time of charge, and good behaviors).
Click "Sign-Up" to send us an email about your interest in becoming a big sister.