Teen Empowerment Program Why:

“U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence” This article was recently released by the CDC

  • Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) seriously considered attempting suicide—up nearly 60% from a decade ago.

  • 1 in 5 (18%) experienced sexual violence in the past year—up 20% since 2017, when CDC started monitoring this measure.

  • More than 1 in 10 (14%) had ever been forced to have sex—up 27% since 2019 and the first increase since CDC began monitoring this measure.

I believe that breaking the cycle starts with our younger generation if we can teach them skills to feel empowered, and confident, and skills to communicate and navigate emotions in a healthy way we can make a huge impact!

Our system is failing out the younger generation, all of these stats have increased, meaning we do not have the support teens need and what we are currently doing is not working. There is no finger-pointing at all, our culture currently can be tough and stressful - there is a need to produce, provide etc. So much so that we neglect and do not always have time to support each other.

  • Program Goals

    Tools for stress and overwhelm

    Increase confidence and security with self

    Build skills for communication and conflict management

    Helpful self care tools

    Tools to navigate emotions and tough situations

    & More!

  • Program Information

    10 weeks

    Participants: max 14 (even number for group work)

    1 meeting/week for 2 hours

    Time: Will work with parents to find a time that works for all the teens

    Voxer support - this is a texting app on a phone that allowed group messaging - this will be used if anyone needs support in between meetings

    3 meetings with the parents

    Cost: $400 (1 scholarship available)

    BETA STATE PROGRAM:

    This is the first time the non profit is running through this program - the program was created and reviewed by a holistic therapist, LCSW, social worker and school counselor. This program will be repeated and hopefully become statewide and national after the beta program is completed.

  • Program Flow

    What will your kids be doing each week?

    Movement and gentle breathwork - Why? this helps to calm the nervous system

    Support Circle - Why - this teaches us how to talk through situations, feel supported by others and showcase we all go through things which increases empathy and compassion. It also gives a space to feel heard

    Workbook - Why - this involves journaling and workshops to help with specific topics like conflict, anger, sadness, overwhelm and stress

  • Program Participant

    This program is for teen girls, there are no stipulations on who should or should not apply. All women need support especially our teens as they are navigating highschool and larger decisions.

Meet the Team

Natalie Onacki

Founder + Holistic Practitioner

Hey! I am Nat, I founded this non profit because I just see a lot of people out there suffering and I see systems not working so I wanted to create new systems that fully support people. Check out the about section and other sections to find out more! I am a Holsitic Therapist, I have experience working with all age groups with mental and emotional health as well as physical health. I have certifications in holistic modalities and have experience volunteering at other non profits hosting support groups for teens, military and women.

TBD - Social Worker ( we are currently deciding between a few social workers/therapists to come to these weekly)

Common Q&A

How will I as the parent/guardian be involved?

  • I will meet with parents/guardians twice throughout the program as a check-in on how things are going

  • Just like any therapy there is a confidentiality agreement, I will only release information that the parents need to know

What if we have to miss some sessions?

  • I understand life is busy (sports, hw, friends, family time etc) - each person is allowed to miss 1 session but it will need to be made up. If more than 1 session is missed they will have to be made up at a cost of $50.

  • It is important that this group is consecutive as we will be working on each thing and building trust with each other.

Is this religious?

  • This is not a religious program, this is also not in replacement of therapy. The goal of this course as a reminder is to help teens feel confident in themselves, capable of navigating emotions and overwhelm and to grow connections with each other and themselves.

  • The movement and breath practices are scientifically proven to help with activating the rest and digest nervous system, increasing focus and helping with the physical body.

What topics will be covered?

  • Each week starts off with movement and gentile breathing to get their mind and body into the program

  • we then have a support circle where everyone shares anything that has been going on with them throughout the week

  • We then go into the workshop and workbook where topics like self-love, self-confidence, communication, decision-making, emotional regulation, and stress management will come up.