Artemis Place
The girls you find at Artemis Place are not your typical group of high school students. Some smoke, most swear and many of them have piercings, tattoos, and multi colored hair. As a group, they are loud, intense and brutally honest. They don't suffer adult insincerity lightly. They are also funny, real, wise, compassionate and some of the strongest people around.
Artemis Place is an integrated counseling and educational program which provides a unique alternative to traditional school for at-risk girls in our community. Artemis is a sanctuary where girls can work on completing high school while learning critical life skills in conflict resolution, building self-esteem and successful relationships.
“For almost 40 years, our society has successfully transformed the lives of the most at-risk girls in our community. We know that every single girl is filled with power, and we are in the business of tapping into that potential,” says Lisa Ellis, Artemis’ Executive Director. As a graduate of the program, Lisa knows the immense impact of Artemis Place.
Recent funding of close to $10,000 from the Victoria Foundation helped with the Artemis Place Options Daycare Program. The objectives of the grant were threefold; to provide nutritious food and education around healthy eating; to provide education and products regarding sexual health and personal hygiene; and to provide bus passes to girls who could not otherwise afford transportation.
At 14 to 19 years of age, some of the girls have experienced violence and trauma, sexual exploitation, addictions, foster care, poverty, racism or the loss of one or both parents. Others struggle with anxiety, eating disorders, learning disabilities or a multitude of other challenges.
The work here is tough because the girls have learned to protect themselves to avoid being vulnerable. It is difficult to teach them to trust again. However, the supportive environment and the power of the group make the difference. Girls who have been free floating for a long time become very attached to the group. It changes their lives.
“Artemis Place is a nurturing and supportive program that encourages girls to grow into their potential,” says Board Chair, Enid Elliot. “We believe these young women have the ability to be competent and contributing members of our community. This belief is also felt by the girls.”
This approach is incredibly effective, but it takes a lot of resources to make it work. Most of the funding comes from the community, through individuals and groups who believe that every girl deserves a chance. The Victoria Foundation is a proud supporter of the organization, and has provided funding for things like individual counseling, group work, speakers, workshops and the Safe Girls Pilot Project.
