Going For Gold: A Girl Scout Project

I'm Elizabeth Lambert! I am a 17 year old Ambassador Scout, and I'm hoping to complete my project by February 28 of 2013. The Gold Award is the highest honor that a Girl Scout can earn, and only 6% of all Girl Scouts in the United States earn their Gold Award prior to completing their Scouting career. Not only is it looked upon positively by the community and Girl Scout Council, but universities/colleges often have scholarship programs exclusively for girls who have earned the Gold Award. I'm very excited about completing mine, and I'm appreciative of any support that organizations, clubs, people, and communities offer!

     

My mom is a math teacher at Eliot Middle School on Lake Avenue, and is very familiar with the student population, as well as close friends with the staff. Recently, a new principal—Lorena Martinez—was appointed to the school, and she's been working to make the school a better place. A large majority of students at Eliot are underprivileged (i.e. living in group homes, struggling with poverty or abuse, etc.), and counseling is a must for every child. Eliot has a hired counselor, Mr. Winn, and they also have therapists come to the school from Foothill Family Services. Until a short time ago, there was not a designated room for the counselors to meet with the kids, and the therapists were forced to conduct sessions in the library, without any privacy for the child. Having been to see a therapist before, I know first hand how important it is to have a safe, secure environment to discuss certain issues in, and I also understand the counselor's need for an office space is of equal significance. 

    

My Gold Award project is to remodel and upgrade a new counseling room/office for Mr. Winn and the entire student population, to give the kids a comfortable, safe place to study or partake in therapy sessions. The room that has been given to me to work with is completely empty, and I'm planning to repaint and furnish the room in the time frame I've been given. The estimated funds I will need is approximately $2,500, and I'm currently in the fundraising stage of my project.

     

This project is uncommonly large and ambitious, especially when it comes to monetary funds! I'm dedicating my time, energy and work into this vision; I'm determined to see it through. Any donations—whether from friends, family, or the community around me—are much appreciated, and the more support I'm blessed with, the closer I become to reaching my goal of becoming a Gold Award Scout. Not only does your contribution help me toward my goal, it also helps the hundreds of middle school kids who attend Eliot. Due to budget cuts and lack of government funding, the school would not be able to afford the remodeling and furnishing of the classroom. 

Every child, regardless of who they are or where they come from, deserves an equal opportunity in society. Supporting counseling programs, such as this one, makes a difference in the lives of the new generation! Make a difference and donate today!

     

Thank you for supporting me, my project, and the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles!