Coping 101: Project Girl

Coping 101

“Historically and systemically women of color aren’t represented,” says Olympia Edwards, Founder and CEO of Project Girl mentoring program, which . “Here we’re providing a space where their life story and their life journey doesn’t have to be what society thinks of them. It doesn’t have to be a struggle. They’re entitled to a comfortable life; they’re entitled to a fruitful life. We’re trying to change that narrative and that’s why it’s important for Project Girl to be here.”

While working with teens in crises shelters, Olympia noticed a lot of the girls she helped, lacked coping skills and a safe community space. “I gotta do something,” she told herself. AND SHE DID.

Edwards began partnering with school districts around the area in 2012, offering an after school mentorship program for women of color a place to hang out, do their homework, and talk about whatever’s on their mind. Project Girl, a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit, has now reached over 2000 mentees in over 130 sessions completed, and they're only getting started.

Presented by c89.5 in partnership with Seattle Children's, Coping 101 is an ongoing series led by students in Nathan Hale High School's Podcast Club that destigmatizes mental health from a teen's perspective, made possible with local support from The Community Foundation of Snohomish County, Hansmire Builders and Compass Health - NW Washington's Behavioral Healthcare leader. No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are healthy ways to cope. Get started with more episodes, and find community-centric resources online at c895.org/coping101

• Project Girl mentoring program: https://www.project-girl.com/
• more about Project Girl in Lynnwood Times
• This episode is made possible by The Community Foundation of Snohomish County: https://www.cf-sc.org/learn/who-we-are-what-we-do/