The JF Maddox Foundation team is committed to working in collaboration with local nonprofits to help empower our community’s youth, and we are proud to highlight MyPower, Inc., an organization doing tremendous work in Lea County. With a mission to empower local youth to reach their full individual potential by providing fun, social, and learning activities geared toward developing personal confidence, academic excellence, and enhanced life skills, the organization is an incredible resource for local youth.
MyPower, Inc. was established to empower young women to successfully navigate the teen years by making good choices, setting goals, succeeding academically, and avoiding teen pregnancy. In the fall of 2023, MyPower, Inc. expanded the program to develop a curriculum for young boys. Using the same basic structure, activities, goals, and objectives as the girls’ curriculum, the program was modified, so boys could also participate.
MyPower, Inc. offers three core programs, all at no cost, to our community: MyPower Mentoring Circles, MyPower Middle School Edition, and MyPower Leadership Camps. Mentoring Circles offer 5th-grade students a 12-week structured empowerment and self-esteem program held once a week during after-school hours. The program was customized from well-researched programs, and it addresses issues in a straightforward and relevant manner. MyPower Middle School Edition empowers 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students to reach their full individual potential by providing fun, social, and learning activities. The Middle School Edition is geared toward preventing teen pregnancy, developing personal confidence, excelling academically, and enhancing life skills. Lastly, MyPower Leadership Camps are day camps for students entering 6th-9th grades. These camps instill academic and social skills in a dynamic and entertaining setting, with local teachers, community leaders, and university students working as facilitators.
Recently, insight was gained from data collected through questionnaires completed by students, facilitators, mentors, and caretakers who participated in MyPower Circles. With MyPower Circles implemented across nine schools in the Hobbs school district throughout the 2023-2024 school year, a great deal was learned about the program’s outcomes. Girls who participated in the program indicated they felt more likely to control their emotions or resist acting on an impulse. They also shared that they were less likely to feel left out, with MyPower Circles creating a sense of solidarity and belonging. The girls also reported they liked the Circles because they “felt comfortable” and when asked what they learned, one of the themes that came through was “to be kind, a good friend to others.” One female attendee stated, “My favorite part about MyPower Circles was when we ate snacks and being/feeling safe.”
Similar to the girls, the boys felt like MyPower Circles created an inclusive environment. They also shared that they felt more comfortable saying “no” to friends who might be doing something “bad.” When one boy in attendance was asked what he learned from the program, he said, “How to be kind, respect all, don’t chat online, and stay safe from everyone.”
While the data was powerful, it reinforced what was already known about MyPower Mentoring Circles. The program does a tremendous job of helping our youth connect to their peers, creates a sense of belonging, helps youth develop confidence, and encourages positive attitudes and positive decision-making. For more information on MyPower, Inc. and its programs, please visit https://www.mypowerinc.org/
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