Sista Circle at Strawbridge Square

Every other week at Strawbridge Square in Alexandria, a group of 11 middle school and early high school girls gathers for Sista Circle, a youth afterschool program grounded in Wesley Housing’s life skills curriculum. The group explores topics especially important during these formative years, like self-esteem, stress management, decision-making, and healthy choices.  

 

In Sista Circle, girls learn how to love themselves, assert their voices, and grow into confident, independent young leaders. The group emphasizes supporting one another and creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. 

 

As part of the group’s life skills curriculum on decision-making, Wesley Housing’s Youth Program Specialist Marlo Fowler regularly invites guest speakers to offer additionalperspectives and real-world insights. Fairfax County Police Officer Michael Williams, a Community Outreach Officer with the Mason District Station, recently joined the session alongside Francisco Klocker Gonzalez, Gang Prevention Coordinator with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Together, they led an engaging conversation about decision-making and online safety, sharing real-life examples and practical strategies such as not responding to messages from people they don’t know, recognizing online red flags, and knowing when to seek support from a trusted adult or mentor.  

 

Marlo also creates hands-on opportunities for leadership by placing the youth in real-time scenarios. For instance, during the afterschool program for elementary school children, the older girls worked together to run a musical charades game, taking responsibility for organizing the activity, keeping score, and supporting younger participants. The setting empowered the girls to collaborate, step into leadership roles, and encourage one another. 

 

Reflecting on the group’s impact thus far, Marlo shared a moment that stood out. One 13-year-old teen, who never misses a session, once told her she comes to Sista Circle because she feels like she can be herself. Marlo said, “I knew exactly what she meant.”