EPIC Girl helped me gain confidence I never thought I’d have and brought light to my life. I honestly don’t know where I’d be right now if I hadn’t met them at court when I was 15. Before that time I had so many negative thoughts about not wanting to be here, thinking I wasn’t good enough, and believing I’d never be anything in life. I struggled with anxiety a lot. EPIC Girl helped me find outlets to deal with things and now I have better skills to manage my feelings and I’m a better communicator. I’m not always holding things in. I’m the amazing person I am because of EPIC Girl and the people I met there. I graduated high school and I’m working my dream job as a preschool teacher. I love EPIC Girl so much!!
Stories of Impact
EPIC Girl made me an Epic Girl! They taught me to be resilient, optimistic and confident. While they were doing that they also gave me a shoulder to cry on. I would not be the person I am today without EPIC Girl!
—Ashley
EPIC Girl helped me learn how to use my voice so that I could express my feelings instead of just keeping everything buried. Those lessons made me better and want to be better for others. I learned I’m worthy of good people and good relationships.
—Trinity
I’ve been with EPIC Girl since I was barely 14. I met them through the program at my high school when I was in 9th grade. They taught me how to use my voice and helped me change the way I do things like how I deal with my feelings and anger. The most important thing is that EPIC Girl cares about us and that taught me to love myself and that changes how I live life.
—Makiyah
EPIC Girl motivated me to stay strong and conquer every obstacle. They helped me realize who I am again- not who I was but who I wanna be.
—Queezy
EPIC Girl taught me that a lot of people go through stuff like trauma or abandonment or abuse, and that this can affect the way we see and treat people. But I learned these things can make us strong and we can encourage each other. EPIC Girl taught me to use my voice - the one I always wanted to use - but didn’t before because I thought people might laugh or judge me. I learned my voice can drive change and encourage others and I’m allowing this knowledge to influence my inner view of myself and also affect the way I carry myself and impact my community.
—Ramona
EPIC Girl has been a huge support for me over the past four years. The advice they gave me - I carry with me and even share with others. They taught me life won’t always go as planned but challenges make me stronger. I’ve been able to develop my public speaking skills and interpret for Spanish speaking EPIC Girl participants when I’m home from college. I’ll be forever grateful for their help, encouragement and recommendation letters when I was applying for college. I’m just finishing my Junior year at University, breaking cycles by being a first generation college student. I hope I can pay it forward someday by pouring into other young women as they navigate their way.
—Anna
To me EPIC Girl is family. No matter what I did- good or bad- they never left me. I grew a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally with them and they helped me stay true to myself and use my voice for things that matter- like juvenile reform and being a voice for others. I'll always tell other girls about EPIC Girl- because we all need love and support.
--Aleena
“I am grateful for friends who become family.” This is one of our favorite things about EPIC Girl!
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I’m thankful that I learned I deserve CONSISTENT healthy relationships but also that I have a responsibility to be healthy and consistent.
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“I’m thankful you never left me even when I was at my lowest”
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“I’m thankful that I learned I am strong and able to do hard things.”
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“I’m thankful for the EPIC Girl community- they’ve changed my life.”
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“ You held me accountable and kept pushing me to be better & do better.”
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You have helped me so much when I was in school struggling and when I was having issues with my foster family. I’m just so thankful for it.”
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“I ran away when I was 14 and EPIC Girl was the agency that showed up and stayed.
They’ve changed my outlook on life, taught me patience, and forgiveness.”
--N/A
“Epic girl has been understanding and many times more of a family to me than my own. I will forever be thankful.”
--N/A
“EPIC girl is about positive relationships and building one another up. Dougie has just as much of a meaningful, positive influence in my life as I do in hers.”
--Mimi
“To me EPIC girl means many things, but when I think of them I think of a forever family. I ran away numerous times when I was a teenager because of family issues. I ended up in DCS custody with little support. EPIC Girl became that support system and the people who loved me regardless- even when I made decisions that were bad for me. They came to every event, remembered special occasions and stayed in touch. EPIC Girl is the family who loves me for me and is always there when I need a shoulder to cry on, a true family.”
--Krista
“EPIC Girl impacted my life in the most generous way because I was getting into a lot of trouble when I was younger and running away a lot. EPIC Girl helped guide me onto a better pathway. I’ve learned how to make better life decisions and know what to do when I’m put in difficult situations. I now understand the importance of surrounding myself with positive people and I have learned how to use my experiences and voice to encourage others.”
--Naadiya
Being part of EPIC Girl was a great experience. I had many challenges when I was a teenager, and EPIC Girl was helpful, caring, and consistent. They keep an eye out on the young women who may be struggling and encourage them to stay out of trouble. They made a difference in my life.
I had it hard growing up and didn’t really have too much. Before my mom passed, we finally moved into our own place and EPIC Girl furnished a room for me and my little sister. Later, when I got in trouble again, they came to see me each and every time. I really appreciate EPIC Girl so much.”
--BG
“EPIC Girl has impacted me by loving me unconditionally when I didn’t have nobody. They are a great support system. Ms.Stacia still keeps in contact with me even after I exited DCS and Juvenile.”
--Kevlin
“EPIC Girl gives young girls hope. Life gets hard but it gets better.. with encouragement and determination anything can be done. EPIC Girl teaches self worth.. teaches girls to love themselves and that it’s people out here, willing to help, long as you help yourself.”
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EPIC Girl gave me an opportunity to meet my wonderful mentor of 5 years, Ms.Stacy, who gave me guidance through some of the hardest times of my life. Thank you EPIC Girl and Ms.Stacy!
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Epic Girl has given me a positive role model that has stood by me through the hard times
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