Q: What is the Rochester Jewels program and its mission?
A: Rochester Jewels is a not- for- profit mentoring organization. Our mission is to provide mentoring services for girls in grades 4-12th in the Rochester. NY area to help them grow, learn, and become successful young ladies with meaningful and productive lives, by offering: a growth and learning environment where the girls receive guidance from adult women mentors; with programs and instructions intended to help the girls (1) excel academically and prepare for higher education (2) develop goal-setting, leadership, and other life skills (3) build character, self-awareness, worth, confidence, and (4) pay it forward and give back to their community.
Q: The name for Rochester Jewels, how did you come up with the name?
A: Names are important, they are descriptive, identify, and set you apart from another. It was important to me that we were careful in representing these young ladies.
Jewels are precious stones, a person/thing that is treasured, esteemed, and indispensable. That is how we see the young ladies. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and opals have a reputation that exceeds those of other gemstones. Girls of all ages can definitely identify with jewels.
Sapphires- Attributes of truth and chastity. Beginning of discovering the truth of who they are… 5-6th grades.
Opals- She discovers within herself hope, innocence, and purity…6-8th grades.
Emeralds- She stands in truth, loyalty and adoration… 9th grade.
Rubies– She promotes a courageous attitude….10th grade.
Diamonds–She represents strength, endurance and perseverance…11th grade.
Pearls— Her radiance transcends with wisdom and integrity….12th grade.
Most important of all is the use and description throughout the Word of God. Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine said the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my jewels.
Proverbs 20:15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Q: Why now for the implementation of the Rochester Jewels program and where do you see the organization in the next 10 years?
A: I had a great opportunity to lead a mentoring organization for five year very similar to Rochester Jewels. Two years ago the group was discontinued. At that time there were young ladies and mentors actively participating and had no expectations in sight. The mentors and I were determined in our commitment that we had made to these young ladies. After much prayer and time seeking God’s direction He settled my heart and reminded me of His promise. There was passion inside and the gift that God had given me from a young age.
Philippians 4:9, “Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do, and the God of peace shall be with you.”
The mentors and I decided to meet weekly for months, trusting in the promises of God, planning and praying, putting our faith, gifts and education to work. September the 9th 2013 Rochester Jewels opened its doors, 10 mentors, 22 mentees determined to make a difference.
In 10 years, I see a multi-culture organization, 100% higher education matriculation, and facilities in surrounding counties with a headquarters based in Rochester, New York…
Q: One of your major goals is to have all the girls go on to college?
A: Go on to some form of higher education. Some may go to college, some may go to the military then go to college, but I don’t want them to complete high school and just stop. Some are not interested in college however there are vocational skills facilities.
Q: Please tell me about yourself and your desire to help young women. How did you come to this point, you know, to helping young ladies?
A: I am a born-again believer, a Christian who loves God, loves self, and loves others. I’m married to Rev. Darrell W. Franklin and we have two amazing children Danna and Darren Franklin.
I am a product of mentoring. I was a part of an urban community outreach program sponsored by Briarwood Presbyterian Church named “Operation New”. It was there that I met my mentor, Lois Coleman, she was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ and was totally committed to pouring into and walking with young girls. She is the founder of Grace House Ministries (Birmingham, Al.) Fondly known as “Momma Lois”, spent many years of mentoring me as I matured in my faith, wisdom, and knowledge. A passion for mentoring and giving back to girls grew within, cultivation of a gift had begun. It was truly my calling, my journey and I started to walk in it at a young age.
Q: Can you tell one of your success stories?
A: Yes, I will share one. This one is special to me, not that they all aren’t. This one will be a reminder for the rest of my life of how important keeping your commitment is. Remember I spoke earlier about the girls that were participating when the previous organization discontinued, they stayed connected and finished their last year with Rochester Jewels, all graduated high school and are enrolled in college or a vocational pursuit.
Q: Can you give us more details about the program?
A: The program currently runs from September to June, concurrently with the school year. We meet weekly for one and a half hours in a very relaxed environment, classified by grade level, and the curriculum fosters that grade level. There are two adult mentors that lead each section. The adult mentors are volunteers, required to attend mentor training, and pass a mandatory background check. It is crucial that the mentor understand the social, psychological, educational, and physical demands that our girls face. November is designated as community give back.
There is a year-end cotillion celebrating their growth, achievement and promotion of each
Q: Now, as far as the volunteering you said the girls do, in November, now do they get to pick whichever organization that they want to volunteer with?
A: Collectively the mentor team search for areas that are teachable, in need of assistance, and age appropriate. The mentees are encouraged to share their choices as well and we will do the follow through.
Q: Ok so it sounds like you’re really preparing them for, giving them some really good life skills.
A: Yes. In presenting life skills we go right in, grocery shopping, laundry, health care, every area those things are sometimes missing. This year some of the sixth, seventh and eighth graders wanted to learn to sew. We took home economics when we went to school. Now these girls are fascinated with learning to thread a needle, sew a button on. Wonderful really good life skills.
Q: How do they become involved with the organization?
A: Like us on Facebook at Rochester Jewels, send an email to Jewels@Rochester.rr.com, they can even call us at 585- 500- 9177.
Q: Is there anything special that you may want to add?
A: The founding mentors: Kimberly Campbell, Laconda Graham, Jennifer Harewood, Latricia Gissendanner, Chelsea Sullivan, Reshawnda Simmons. Were instrumental in the establishment of Rochester Jewels Inc. Marjorie Fitzgerald, Darnita Hill, and Rachael Smith joined the mentoring team. Their commitment, creativity, and drive has been vital to our first year success. T.E.A.M.:Together each accomplishes much! Has proven to be a true statement.
Karen M. Cornwell
Carla Watson
