Girls Circle aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede girls' growth and development by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure which girls can develop caring relationships and use their authentic voices. 

Girls Circle comprises of a group of girls led by one facilitator with sessions lasting one and a half hours. The facilitator will lead a group of girls through a format including taking turns listening and talking to one another respectfully about each others concerns and interests. Girls can further express themselves through creative or focused activities such as role playing, journaling, poetry, drama, dance, collaging, and so on. 

Girls Circle is held every Tuesday at YWCA from 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM. Alton Housing Authority will provide transportation for kids from Oakwood and Alton Acres to YWCA and drop them back off. Kids will be picked up from each center at both housing sites. Transportation is provided for children living in public housing only. 

YWCA has received a Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) from Madison County Community Development to help support our youth programs. To receive the funding, the county is asking for parents to complete forms for each household that has a child or children participating in YWCA’s youth programs. Parents must also provide 30-day proof of gross income of those 18 + in your household and social security card copies of everyone in your household as well. Information disclosed in these forms will be strictly used for grant purposes. 

By signing your child up for Girls Circle you agree to comply with providing the necessary paperwork and documentation needed for YWCA to receive the funding from the CSBG grant. Parents will be reached out to about completing this paperwork.