WISH

WISH is a hands-on advocacy and life skills program making a difference in the lives of young women in the care of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

We target at-risk girls who have entered the Juvenile Justice system.  Many have little to no positive life influences.  Through WISH, we provide non-judgmental support and skills education. League members spend two hours presenting lessons to help the girls be successful and make positive changes in their lives.  The Junior League of Fort Myers has presented many wonderful programs with the girls including:

  • Personality Portraits
  • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
  • Careers, Applying for Jobs and Interview Skills
  • Building Financial Skills for Young People
  • Journaling for Anger Management and Expression
  • Resolutions
  • Life Stages
  • Yoga and Healthy Living/Eating

Wish Testimonials:

“I thought the program was great and it was a lot of fun to get out of our rooms and actually enjoy the night and listen to my kind of music. I thank you all soo much for coming and seeing us tonight.  I was feeling really sad earlier because I don’t want to be in here any longer,  but I have to do 21 days.  When I’m done I’m never coming back, knock on wood.  But you brought me from a sad face to a happy face and that means a lot.  Especially at this time in my life because I have nobody. My moms in jail, my dads dead, my brother just died of cancer.  You guys made me feel happy and think that there more to life than this.”

-17 Year Old Girl 

“To be completely honest, I believe that what you women do is utterly amazing.  The past week has been probably, the most depressing week of my life, until tonight.  At the beginning of tonight, I didn’t know what to think of the six of you.  I expected to sit around and listen to lectures on how and why we should change our lives around, but I can now say that I do realize that you are all genuinely interested in the mistakes we made and instead of lecturing you taught us a productive way to spend time.  You’ve all brought a smile to my face and a new outlook on my life. Thank you, Thank you , Thank you!”

-17 Year Old Girl