A Sweet 16 Party…
A Celebration of Successful Women

By Rosemary Garrity

We’ve all heard of Sweet 16 parties, but this one is truly special.  It’s not a party for one special teen, rather, it is a celebration of sixteen years of success at Girls Hope, a program that was founded in 1990 and was the first of its kind in the United States.  Its mission is to provide a family-like home and quality education for girls who would otherwise probably not experience such.  The girls in the program are generally unable to stay at home due to neglect or family problems or they may be in harmful neighborhood environments. 

The Sweet 16 Party will be held at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association (PAA) in Oakland, on Friday, April 13, from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.  The rooms will be decorated with pink and white balloons and delicious confectionaries will be served.  A jazz trio and the band “In the Mood” will be providing music for patrons’ listening and dancing pleasure.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on many exciting auction items. “An Instant Wine Cellar,” which will include about fifty bottles of some fine wines, is sure to be one of the most popular choices.  Other items on the tables will be sports memorabilia, gift certificates for spas and restaurants, as well as donations from a few of the area’s most exclusive boutiques.

Event co-chairs, Jennifer Fusilli and Sara Scaife, are very excited about this gala.  They’ve been working hard to raise awareness about the mission of Girls Hope, and they believe that the Sweet Sixteen party will attract a large crowd at the PAA.  Publicity chair, Marjorie Carlson, speaks with unbridled enthusiasm about the event.  “I am thrilled to be a part of the Sweet 16 celebration.  Supporting Girls Hope is a wonderful opportunity to positively influence these young women’s lives while also investing in the future of the Pittsburgh region.”

Girls Hope of Pittsburgh is a unique program that operates two stable family-like homes—in Baden and Clinton—for girls between the ages of 10 – 14.  These girls would probably fail in school, if it weren’t for placement in the homes. The girls are referred by teachers, guidance counselors, principals and sometimes by the courts.  They must be motivated to succeed and agree to this type of placement.  The parents or legal guardians must also be supportive.  Because one of the goals of the program is to focus on academic achievement and have each girl attend and complete college, admission standards include average or above average I.Q. and average or above average scores on standardized tests.  After the applicants are tested, a decision to admit the child is presented to the program committee who makes the final recommendation to the program director.

It’s obvious that the Girls Hope program is doing well.  According to Sister Mary Parks, Executive Director, there are many success stories that she is eager to share.  “We hope that all our girls will become happy and successful and more.  We want them to be ‘women for others’ so that in the ways they have been supported and helped, they will reach out to others.” 

One of their graduates is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Chicago in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  Another graduate went from being (in her own words) “The Suspension Queen of Beaver County” to becoming a teacher.  Sister adds, “We are just so delighted by the outpouring of support for our Sweet 16 Party.” 

This organization is doing its part to change the world by helping disadvantaged girls.  This non-denominational program is greatly assisted by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden. The sisters founded it and continue to provide services and leadership.  The offices are housed in the motherhouse.  In the Baden home, students attend Mt. Gallitzen Academy and Quigley High School.  In the Clinton home, girls attend St. Joseph School and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. 

The results speak for themselves.  Their graduates appear to be ready to change the world.  You can be an integral part of this altruistic and ambitious endeavor by supporting the Sweet 16 Party.  Child Health Association of Sewickley has a close relationship with Girls Hope and lends support and provides funds through a variety of activities. Other organizations have also supported Girls Hope with fundraisers.   For more information about the program or to receive an invitation, please call 724-869-2868. 

Back to top