The Salvation Army of Harrison County has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Robert H. Mollohan Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. to purchase sewing library and resource materials, educational videos/DVDs, computers, and other educational materials associated with the Smart Girls Investment Club.

The Salvation Army Youth Enrichment Program has observed many at-risk children and wishes to provide a positive atmosphere that will "catch" Harrison County youth before they are attracted to negative behaviors. With the guidance of caring adults who mentor and empower the younger generation, youth develop essential character traits - responsibility, respect for self and others, trustworthiness, fairness, and caring - as they learn leadership skills that will help them influence others in positive ways.

The program serves all residents of the City of Clarksburg, but targets low to moderate-income households, particularly those with children that are in Harrison and surrounding counties. Some goals set by the Salvation Army of Harrison County include: increasing quality of life for underprivileged youth, women, and families through recreation, mentoring, and supportive programs and activities; teaching the forgotten art of quilting and sewing; providing positive role models to youth; increasing school attendance and performance; providing positive role models and mentoring for parents of at-risk youth; and increasing parent involvement in the lives of children.

The Smart Girls Investment Club is a new program developed within the past year at the Harrison County Salvation Army. The program focuses on traditional hobbies for girls. Folk Art such as quilting and sewing is emphasized because there is a lack of exposure to these types of traditional activities in today’s modern and busy society. Youth currently design and make handbags, quilts, and blankets. The blankets are given to shut-ins as part of their mission to serve the community. Fellowship and healthy interaction provide young girls with self-esteem and confidence to help them grow to become confident young women. This club promotes individuality and responsibility as well as personal creativity and expression.

For more information about Smart Girls Investment Club, please contact the Salvation Army of Harrison County at 304.622.2360.