Kitsap Cares Story #39
“I was shocked to discover the negative impact poverty has on a child’s life. Now I’m amazed at the positive influence we can have . . .if we show we care.”
—Chris Fortelny, Girl Scout Leader for West Park Housing
An average Girl Scout troop may charge Scout members six dollars per month for dues. Chris is a troop leader whose typical family may earn only $6,000 a year. “They don’t have extra money for dues” explains Chris whose program is funded with donations from Totem Girl Scout Council, Kitsap businesses, cookie sales and a matching grant from Kitsap Cares About Kids. Many of the girls are living in third generation poverty with no immediate family members who have graduated from high school
Through Scouting, Chris has seen girls change how they view their lives . . . and themselves. Instead of problems they see possibilities. “Because we believe in them, they begin to believe in themselves. When girls are given opportunities to lead they stop joking about being failures and start seeing themselves as leaders.”
Chris has grown as much as her Scouts. “It’s extremely rewarding to know these girls and see them realize their life has hope. They know they can choose their future.”*
*Development Asset #39: “I believe my life has purpose.”
The Search Institute has identified 40 Development Assets that help young people grow up to be health, caring and responsible.
