NIA'S SHOOTING STARS PROGRAM

With the support of the Predators Foundation, Nashville, TN’s professional hockey team, Nia Association was able to launch a mentoring program that serviced adolescent females between the ages of 11-14 years of age. The mentoring program met during the 2008 school year (at a time that was most advantageous for the young girls). The girls had the opportunity to explore tools and techniques that focused on decision-making, conflict resolution, trust and team building as well as building healthy and long lasting relationships. They also got the opportunity to focus on journaling and its importance as well as coping and expressing feelings, and improving communication skills (not sending double messages).

The visit to Gaylord Opryland Resort and lunch at various eateries and time spent at Austin Peay State University gave them the opportunity to see other things as well as to dream beyond their own familiar corridors. The frolicking and joy expressed as they toured the atrium at Opryland, chatted about the plant species and waterfalls as well as the ride on the Delta River Boat was a Kodak moment. The excitement surrounding the trip to the college and the opportunity to see athletes compete as well as to step foot on a college campus ….summed up the reason why the partnership, between Nia Association and the Predators Foundation, was so critical.

Although the Program has ended, it is our hope that the girls took fond memories of their time spent with us. We most definitely walked away with memories that will always be treasured. We thank their parents/guardians for entrusting them to us and the other partners that aided via of ensuring that informational packets were readily available, volunteers that took time out of their busy schedules, and establishments allowing us to utilize their space for extended periods of time. Nia Association will continue to look for ways in which we can further pour into the lives of our leaders of tomorrow. As new initiatives present themselves, please be assured that we will, once again, encourage you to register your youth and support us as we pour into the lives of the leaders of tomorrow.

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