Members and staff of Sparkle Mentoring.

Lakithia Chapman, of Clayton, wants her daughter, Lydia, to stand with confidence in herself and her abilities. This is why she enrolled her in Sparkle Mentoring, a 501©3 nonprofit program to help girls ages 10 to 18 build self-esteem.

“The reason I wanted her to connect was for self-esteem, not that hers was low, but from what I know of young girls having challenges with image and esteem issues. Young girls around that age start to get interested in guys, and, to appeal to them, some, not all, start to shrink to be more attractive,” Chapman said.

Lydia, who’s called Abby, had been homeschooled until now that she’s turned 13 and entered eighth grade. She’s been in the Sparkle Mentoring program for about a year.

Chapman wants Abby to widen her circle and be around youth her age, but she doesn’t want her to become a shrinking violet to fit in or be accepted.

“Abby is academically gifted, and I want her to be bold and proud about that. I do not want her to shy away from that to be embraced by guys. I don’t want her cowering from her own strength. I wanted her to be mentored in a group where academic success is embraced, encouraged and celebrated, along with building self-esteem,” Chapman said.

Stacey Rodgers, of Raleigh, initially started Sparkle Mentoring in 2008 when her daughter was 14. Rodgers wanted her daughter and nieces to have a safe place to talk openly and honestly with a trusted adult and get true answers to their questions.

“I see a lot of young girls who are afraid or hesitant about sharing their true feelings because they are afraid of what their peers are going to think about them. Sometimes they won’t say anything for fear of being made fun of. I don’t want them to dim their personality or who they are to please others,” Rodgers said.

With several starts and stops over the years due to family obligations, Rodgers has revamped the program. Sparkle Mentoring, which runs from September to May, offers group and individual mentoring, financial literacy, self-esteem, mental health, educational workshop and parental support. Rodgers often brings in speakers from various professions to talk to the girls. Other activities include making vision boards, attending a self-esteem camp during the summer, and participating in community service events.

Rodgers finds it personally rewarding to witness young girls become less self-conscious and more self-confident.

“It’s rewarding to know there is a young lady who feels more confident about herself, and she’s not afraid to advocate for herself. It’s rewarding seeing the change in their personality, communication or behavior, and helping them feel positive about themselves knowing that with the right support and tools, the sky's the limit,” she said.

Rodgers hopes to increase membership, form community partnerships and establish a scholarship for graduating seniors. Plans are also in the works to hold a fundraiser gala and a community talent show. For more information, call 984-302-5204 or email [email protected].

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