Originally called The Ophelia Project, GENaustin (the Girls Empowerment Network) was created in 1996 by 12 concerned mothers raising adolescent girls in Austin, Texas. These mothers met after reading Reviving Ophelia, a book by Dr. Mary Pipher, to address an increasing trend among middle school aged girls - a systematic decline and sometimes permanent loss of self-esteem. The outcome of which can be devastating: epidemic levels of anorexia/bulimia, selfmutilation, depression, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.

Our methods are:

Critical Thinking and Workforce Development Skills

• We teach critical thinking, assisting girls to think independent of peers and the media.
• We offer training to girls, providing workforce development and financial literacy skills.
• We offer meaningful employment to girls which results in a head start on the workforce and the development of earning power.

Research-based Prevention Programs

• We utilize a research-based program model, proven to prevent girls from high risk behaviors resulting in juvenile delinquency and incarceration.
• We provide pregnancy-prevention programs, ensuring girls have the freedom to fully experience childhood, and adequate time to prepare for adulthood.
• We provide an outlet for girls during a time in their lives when they begin to feel the burdens rather than the advantages of femininity.

Education

• We teach girl-specific curriculum, ensuring girls have a culturally relevant environment in which to learn.
• We utilize peer-assisted learning, an innovative approach to teaching.
• We provide after school programs based on best practices, proven to increase girls� attitudes about academics and their school environment.
• We offer older peers to role-model exploration of college and the workforce, emphasizing the importance of academic goal-setting and success.