Garfield's Ladies Luncheon Club Boosts Members In Many Ways

The middle school years are notorious for being tough emotional ones for tweens and young teens coping with physical, emotional and social changes all while trying to succeed in school. Some more than others need extra support beyond their families and friends to help them navigate those middle years. That’s why Garfield Middle School teacher Pam Thompson started the Margaret Warner Ladies Luncheon Club six years ago with a grant from the Lakewood Alumni Foundation's Margaret Warner Educational Grants Fund – to provide a place where a group of girls could build strong self-images and friendships.

“I believe the club is so important for all girls, but in particular the middle school age, as that is when students are trying to come to terms with the oftentimes challenging phase of growing from childhood to adolescence and how to “fit in” within their peer group without compromising their integrity,” Thompson said. “This club provides that sense of belonging and friendship so important to this age group.  We strive to promote an encouraging environment for girls to develop a strong positive self-image, discover opportunities to create future educational goals, and learn successful peer interactions.”

Thompson and her fellow club advisers – Deb Happel, Lana Wade, Patti Witri and Ruthann Yoder – develop  activities, outings and service projects for the club’s bi-weekly meetings  to foster that sense of self and assuredness that some of the club members might not otherwise feel. The mix of activities is aimed at showing the girls proven paths to success through education while also fostering friendships and a sense of inclusion.

Lessons at the regular meetings focus on goal-setting, positive peer interaction and boosting self-esteem. Twice a year guest speakers address the girls at a special luncheon; field trips to local colleges offer inspiration to work hard in school; and an annual sleepover with a fashion show gives the girls a chance to bond and relax together with their sponsor teachers.

“I really like it,” said three-year club member Michelle Reese. “We get together and (the advisers) help us set goals for the year. It has also helped me make friends,” Reese said.

Another aspect the advisers emphasize with the girls is community service. If you happen to shop at Giant Eagle on Bunts Road, you might just see some of the club members immersed in their service project for this year. The girls in the club will be serving as Giant Eagle’s first ever “Shopper Helpers” for seniors, providing them young able body to read labels, reach items, push heavy carts, etc.

“This is something (Shopper Helpers) we had thought about doing before,” said Giant Eagle nutritionist Judy Dodd. When Thompson approached Giant Eagle with the idea, Dodd saw it “as the perfect opportunity.”

“Our seniors would love to have the help, they (the girls) are doing community enrichment and they learn something about healthy eating and nutrition awareness. … I love the idea,” Dodd said.

About 20 of the club members spent some time recently training at Giant Eagle on how they can help seniors. Much of the focus was on reading labels and what to be aware of when reading them as well as some advice on smart value shopping. The girls will be at Giant Eagle each Thursday afternoon through the school year.

It’s just one of the ways these girls, together, are building themselves up and learning to be good citizens and role models.