by Tracey Smith-Diggs
On January18, 2014, Wellness W.R.K.S. L.L.C. by
referral of Elizabeth Venart director and founder of The Resiliency Center LLC,
started our series of workshops for adopted Chinese tween girls and their
parents. Working with this population and their families has always been a
passion of mine. Over 81,000
Chinese children, almost all of them girls, have been adopted and placed in the
United States during the last two decades. Adolescent girls in general, often
experience risk factors and challenges such as peer pressure, low self-esteem
and preoccupation with body image however; adopted teens are also faced with
issues such as bonding, attachment, identity and race. In doing the research, I
have found that a high level of wellness helps these
girls to improve school performance, develop life skills, practice positive
behaviors and improve their interactions with their family and friends. In the
workshops presented we are excited to explore issues of the self; self-esteem,
self-care, self-identity, self-respect, self- image, self-confidence and
self-love. Wellness Wrks LLC infuses four areas into workshops; Recreational
Therapy, Wellness Education, 40 Developmental Assets and Restorative Principle
Practices. Our holistic model
aims to help teens by using the creative and healing arts to address:
educational, emotional, social, physical, spiritual, environmental, and
character development.
The workshops are
highly interactive, simulating the senses, mind, body and spirit toward
healing. There are four workshops for the teens, two
workshops for the parents, one workshop for both parents and their children,
and one culminating event. The experiences presented are culturally competent
and trauma sensitive. The experiences promote a “Safe Space” atmosphere where
participants can explore their own issues of self-care, self-esteem, emotional
maturity, personal growth, character development, social skills and resiliency.
This can assist in enabling the girls to become better sisters, daughters,
friends, and community members. The recreation and leisure activities help to
put the girls at ease, encouraging creative learning and discussions that address
individual challenges. The workshops promote self-expression through music,
art, movement, crafts and social games, to name a few. A strong emphasis is
placed on cultural awareness. Cultural artifacts are often shared with the
group. Active participation is encouraged with self-evaluation, peer feedback
and affirmations. We strongly encourage the girls to practice skills and
techniques presented in the home, church, school and in the community. The
workshops are designed for empowerment, social-emotional skill building, and
character development. Wellness
Wrks LLC www.wellnesswrksllc.com is committed to increasing caring
environments, well-being, and healing for children, youth, families and
communities. It all starts with a Girl. www.girleffect.org
DISCLAIMER
** All the workshops are designed to be interactive
stimulating the senses, and awakening the mind, body and spirit to new
awareness. Introduction and information provided for most of the Healing Arts
not actual service. Participation is strongly encouraged. Participation in
techniques and exercises are at participants will. The techniques and exercises
are not intended to replace medical care. Wellness Wrks LLC and associates
disclaim any liability or loss in connection with presented techniques,
exercises, or advice herein. All participants will be required to sign a
Physical Activity Liability form Be Well!
Additional
Services
Individual
Coaching and Transformation sessions, Parenting Education, Professional
Employee Development trainings and agency referrals available upon request.
Bibliography-China
Adoption.com, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, International Institute for Restorative Practices, Bethlehem Pa. 18016,
Smith-Diggs, Tracey
A., Wellness Wrks, LLC Phila. Pa. 19118
Supporting Links: Linkedin – Tracey A.
Smith**** Facebook – Wellness W.R.K.S. LLC,
http://www.healthpronet.org/ahp_month/07_04.html)
– Recreational Therapy (http://www.iirp.edu/what-is-restorative-practices.php)
Restorative Practices (http://www.search-institute.org/research/developmental-assets) - 40 Developmental Assets
Families Caring for Children Inc., provides services for children and their families throughout Pa. Tracey thru FCC is providing workshops "Well Adapted" for adopted youth and their parents. Presently, Tracey is providing a group on self-esteem/self-identity for adopted Chinese girls. There ages are from 10-12yrs old. This is our Family Circle question - What are some creative ways parents can encourage increased self-esteem and support positive self-identity in tween girls?
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