Volunteer organization aims to encourage middle school girls

    With proper care and nourishment, a seed planted in the correct conditions grows into a healthy plant. This idea outlines the mission statement for Growing into Respected Outstanding Women, or GROW.
    GROW, housed on the third floor of Ordway Hall, aims to improve the lives of middle school and college-age women. The goal of the program is to provide positive role models for young women in middle school. The program consists of about 15 college-age women each year to work with a “little sister.”
    Katelyn Gillum, junior from Salem, Ky., is a coordinator and took part in the program as a mentor last year. Though women are only eligible for one school year, Gillum said the commitment makes an enormous difference.
    “If they see someone successful, that will give them a positive outlook for their future,” Gillum said.
    According to the GROW Web site, Kennette Cleaver, Murray State alumna who received her degree in social work, started the program with the help of Jane Etheridge, director of the Women’s Center. It was adapted from an existing program at the University of Virginia.
    This year, GROW will experience something new. For the first time a formerly mentored girl has applied to be a GROW big sister. Kristin Vaughan, sophomore from Murray, participated when she attended Calloway County Middle School.
    “I look back at my experience in GROW and am always so thankful for what a blessing it was in my life,” Vaughan said. “I was 13 years old at that time. And my (real)
big sister didn’t live anywhere close to my family.”
    Through her GROW experience Vaughan said she learned how to be a respected woman in the community. She said she wants to become a GROW big sister to create the type of positive experience she gained.
    “I want to be a part of the program that helps build character and self-esteem in the young women in our community,” Vaughan said. “I will always remember how beneficial GROW was when I was in their shoes.”
    Caroline Peake, senior from Bardstown, Ky., is another coordinator.
    Peake said GROW usually conducts their own activities without coordinating with other philanthropic organizations. They do, however, participate in outside group-sponsored events such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters-sponsored Bowl for Kids’ Sake.                    Gillum said one of their biggest events is a day when GROW big sisters bring their little sisters on campus to show them a day in the life of a college student. The little sisters get to eat breakfast and lunch on campus, go to class with their big and are recognized at the Women’s Center luncheon. 
    “This program offers individual growth,” she said. “The successes and challenges are different for everyone, but we overcome and embrace them together as a cohesive group.”
    Gillum said GROW is currently taking applications for mentors and will choose 10 to 15 girls for this school year. The fall semester focuses on 18 hours of training sessions. In the spring, the GROW big  and little sisters participate in activities.
    Gillum said mentors are strictly volunteer, however, the screening process to become a mentor is carefully overseen by seasoned GROW members.
    Because of the volunteer status, the group seeks funding from outside sources. According to Peake, Bob and Patricia Long are sponsoring the program this year. The group also participates in rebate nights around town and sends out letters, informing the community about possible contributions.
    The regular meetings for GROW will be determined by mentors’ schedules. For more information, contact grow@murraystate.edu.
     Bec Feldhaus can be reached at
rebecca.feldhaus@murraystate.edu.