Alex Tedeschi, 16, a student at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, and a member
of Girl Scout Troop 485 recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award by
building a large 700 plus library and game center at the Genesis
Shelter. Genesis Women's Shelter & Support was established in 1985 as a
shelter for women and their children fleeing domestic violence. Since
its founding, Genesis has added a transitional housing facility -
Annie's House - and a non-residential counseling facility - Genesis
Women's Outreach - to assist victims of domestic violence. Each year,
Genesis serves hundreds of women and children through its residential
programs, with hundreds more receiving counseling at its Outreach facility.
Genesis Shelter - Annie's House is a safe haven for victims of domestic
violence. The shelter gives women an opportunity to find a new
beginning to their lives. Women and their children will stay at the
shelter for months. During this time having a form of entertainment and
education is important. While volunteering at the shelter Alex realized
these residents did not have a collection of books and games at their
disposal. Alex spent over 125 hours brainstorming, planning, leading
volunteers in cataloging the items into an electronic check in/out
system, building and painting the shelves, organizing the products on
site and training the staff.
Since the completion of the library, Genesis has asked Alex to become a
member of their teen board, STAR. Students Tackle Abusive
Relationships. During her time on the board Alex will be able to show
her support through holiday parties for the children at the shelter,
various fund raising events, educating the community about Genesis and
speaking to youth in her community about domestic violence.
Alex has been a member of Girl Scouts since 2nd grade and says the
program has taught her valuable life skills. "I realized my potential
for making a small difference in the world," she said. "Girl scouts
showed me that it is important to work hard for my goals and issues I
believe in. I learned I can lead a large group of people over an
extended period of time and I expanded my written and communication
skills by asking for donations and managing the delivery, installation and
unveiling of the new library at Genesis. Huge thank you to Half Price
Books for their donation!"
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn,
combines leadership development, career exploration and community
service. It culminates in an 80 plus hour leadership project that each
girl plans and executes according to her own interest and passions. Each
girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and
community members, and take action to effect positive change.
For more information about Girl Scouts, call Girl Scouts of Northeast
Texas at 972-349-2400. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is 26,600 girls
and 12,500 adult members strong. That's nearly 40,000 girls and adults
who believe every girl can change the world! We have girls reaching
their fullest potential in 32 northeast Texas counties. Our girls are
discovering what’s important to them, connecting with their community,
and taking action to make the world a better place!