Working nine years in a local pediatrician’s office gave Joyce Watson an up-close view of the developmental divide between children with lower economic backgrounds compared to children who had more resources. Watson started a mentoring program to fill the gap.
“This is something Chattanooga needs,” Watson says of the program. “What we really need to do is come together with all of these knickknacks and do one big thing together.”
Ja’Lyah Griffin gets a pedicure. (Photo from Joyce Watson)Young Ladies of Power starts its sixth back-to-school season in September. Girls ages 4-18 are encouraged to participate. The group meets twice a month. Watson asks parents to regularly bring their daughters to meetings and pay $20 a month to help fund lunches and outings. She seeks donations and hosts fish fries to fund other expenses.
Young Ladies of Power exposes girls to career opportunities, other mentors and places they may not normally go. They’ve studied science at the Tennessee Aquarium, participated in citywide volunteer projects and visited government landmarks in Washington, D.C.
The girls will attend the 100 Black Women’s health expo at Erlanger hospital on Sept. 8.