Our co-founder Lynn Gilkey began the Sisterhood program (formerly CLASS) in 2008 because she knew firsthand the challenges facing young women who have no active adult support in their lives and who are burdened with adult like responsibility at a very young age. Ms. Gilkey knew the pain and loneliness of being the victim of sexual abuse, not having an adult to turn to, yet wanting more from life. 

Sisterhood is a mentoring program that supports young ladies ages 14-18 in Wichita, Kansas high schools who are dealing with a range of personal, social, academic and socioeconomic issues. Our staff are committed to empowering young women who face real challenges reach their fullest potential. 

“To educate, motivate and encourage young ladies to
​graduate high school and choose healthy life style behaviors.”

Programming

MEETINGS
Meetings are the foundation of the Sisterhood program. Students meet once a week at their base schools during their seminar period. During these times there are conversations of personal life challenges and ways of how to deal with them are discussed.  We recognize improved grades, positive behavior, and good attendance. Most importantly trust and life long friendship are built. These meetings are meant to engage the young ladies to create a support network, a sense of community and belonging.
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​WORKSHOPS
Once a month, all students are invited to a workshop conducted by a positive role model from our community. Topics have included Domestic Violence Awareness, Self Image; HIV/STD Prevention and Awareness; My Future Matters; Real Love; and Drinking and Driving Awareness. Each workshop includes time for sharing, creating a sense of community and providing support for these young women.

Opportunities

COLLEGE TOURS
Nearly all of the young women in the Sisterhood program are the first person in their family to consider attending college. Staff encourages and facilitates the girls' dream to go to college. Since these tours began, more and more girls have enrolled in college and other training programs. Visiting colleges and university has helped make their dreams become a reality.  Local college visits have included Wichita State, Newman, Cowley County Community College,  and The University of North Carolina .

​COMMUNITY SERVICE
Staff requires our girls to participate in community service projects to develop both a sense of civic pride in their community and to develop an understanding of service leadership. Annual projects have included volunteering at the the Kansas African-American Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Junior League of Wichita Holiday Galleria, and Salvation Army's Operation Holiday.

TESTIMONIALS

​"The first essay assigned in my English course was over a significant thing that had a great impact on my life. The first thing that came to mind was Sisterhood. At first I was having writer’s block. Then I thought back to the first day I went to group my freshman year. Everyone was talking about college. I didn’t think college was in my future. But Sisterhood changed that and it changed how I viewed myself. Then I just started typing and typing and got my essay finished in an hour and a week early!

I know we don’t say this enough. Thank you for all you do! Without you and God, I wouldn’t be telling you this now. I love Ms. Lynn and everything she has done for us. Never give up on this program because it is touching lives and changing hearts. Thank you to all the mentors and volunteers. Sometimes you don’t even know it, and sometimes we don’t tell you: You all make differences in our lives."