Setting realistic goals helps teens develop motivation, responsibility, and perseverance. Parents can support teens by helping them create goals that are achievable while encouraging them to stay focused and learn from challenges along the way.
Volunteering is a great way for teens to help others while gaining important life experiences. It allows teens to become more involved in their communities while learning skills that can help them in school, future jobs, and everyday life. Volunteer work is not just about giving time to others; it also helps teens grow personally and professionally.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026 Empowerment Resources, Inc. gathered to celebrate the 22nd annual Journey Into Womanhood Celebration. This event brought together community volunteers, sponsors, family, and friends to honor and reflect on the positive changes and growth fostered through the Journey Into Womanhood (JIW) program.
We were excited to interview one of our dedicated volunteers, Sean Clinkscales, for our Father’s Day blog. Sean shares what it means to be a girl dad, how fatherhood has shaped his life, and why he enjoys giving back to Empowerment Resources Inc.
ERI had the opportunity to connect with Charla Hamilton, a 2010 graduate of the JIW program, to learn more about her journey since completing the program.
Self-love was truly in the air at our JIW Galentine’s “Self-Love” Event hosted at the end of February. Our JIW girls explored what it means to love themselves fully — building self-esteem, redefining beauty (both internal and external), and embracing their unique worth.
Each year the JIW girls are invited to participate in Cardboard City, a fundraising and awareness event from our friends at Family Promise of Jacksonville. The event includes the building of a cardboard box shelter as well as a Social Services Maze where participants take their “family” through elements such as securing Housing, Employment, and Childcare. Read a reflection from a JIW high school student, JIW Shannel B.
JSO officers with JIW Girls The girls of the JIW program had a workshop topic on drug and alcohol awareness on October 25, 2025. This interactive
JIW Girls at the pinball machines and arcade games On September 13th, over 75 participants gathered to celebrate the launch of this year’s Journey Into
