Lighting the Path for Girls

Girls of Distinction (GOD) is a mentoring program for middle school girls. Formally known as “Lighting the Path for Girls”, this national initiative provides young ladies (referred to as Jewels) with mentors from our chapter.  For more information about enrolling a teen female between the ages of 14 to 17, contact Renee Whittaker by email at mrenew@comcast.net

Mentoring, Community Service and Culture

Les Gemmes is committed to fostering sisterhood, teaching etiquette and training in an effort to guide the Jewels in the right direction to become productive, engaging good global citizens that make a difference in the world.  From civil rights tours, to cultural events, local historical landmarks and workshops, the Jewels are exposed and enlightened on cultural, current events, social awareness and areas that encourage critical thinking, and personal consciousness.  The Jewels have participated in numerous community events from hurricane relief, helping the homeless, and providing support as needed with community service projects. 

Workshops

The Jewels spend time with the Gemmes on Saturdays at various locations around the city participating in an assortment of workshops.  From social media do's and don'ts, how to deal with bullying, dealing with peer pressure, social media responsibility, how to conduct job interviews, cooking classes, budgeting and more.  The Jewels are engaged and being equipped with real world skills, given the opportunities to have meaningful conversations in a safe, judgment free zone and build their confidence as they develop social skills and tools to prepare them for life in the real world. 

2020 Graduation Presentations

Each year, graduation is a special time.  This is a time when we have a few Jewels to leave the organization and depart for college, the military or the business world after being with us for four years and we celebrate the journey with their family and friends.  Although we were in a pandemic in 2020, we still found a way to celebrate safely while social distancing and let the Jewels know that we were proud of them. 

2019 Graduation Presentations

The Jewels graduation ceremony is a time of celebration with family, friends and loved ones.  A time to mark a long milestone of learning, fellowship, bonding and lifelong friendships that were lifechanging and endearing.