On a Sunday afternoon at an eastside church more than 30 girls were gathered in a room filled with the sound of holiday music. Each used scissors to cut out positive images and words from magazines to describe herself. The girls then pasted them on a poster. Bottles of glitter were available on a nearby table for a finishing touch of flair.
The self-esteem vision board provides a glimpse into what Ladies Under Construction is trying to accomplish. The nonprofit’s mission is to build confidence and character while teaching leadership skills to girls ages 8 to 18.
Aleanya Moore, 39, started the organization in 2009 because she wanted to mentor young women. Moore, who was raised by her grandmother, said she later realized that girls like her needed more emotional support.
“My grandmother did the best she could with what she had and she was able to provide us with the necessities,” Moore said. “However, the emotional support and things along that line, she was not able to provide.”
That’s why girls need mentors in the community. Moore credits her basketball coach and godmother for providing some of that support to her.
Ladies Under Construction has fall, spring and summer programs, Moore said, many of which are held at First Trinity Lutheran Church at 5321 E. 42nd St. on the east side.
“There also is individual and group mentoring offered, and the girls are placed into two groups based on age for the group mentoring,” she said.
Vikki Massie, who has been a group mentor for 18 months, said it has been rewarding.
“It involves spending time chatting with the young ladies, going over some goals and aspirations or just having general conversations,” Massie said.
The program also provides training in etiquette and communication. The girls attend conferences and social events, such as a dinner at an upscale restaurant, Moore said.
The participants, and the parents or grandparents who enrolled them, appreciate all that the organization offers.
Ormeshia Linton, who is a member of the nonprofit’s parent squad, has a granddaughter in the program. “I feel it’s really a true blessing to me and my family,” Linton said.
Linton said her granddaughter, 14-year-old Kyanah, has gained confidence and self awareness.
“She’s more comfortable in who she’s becoming instead of what people want her to be,” Linton said.
Kyanah agrees. “I used to be an intimidated person but the program and Miss Aleanya have taught me to speak up for myself,” she said. Kyanah also started modeling, and she competed in a pageant and won.
Jaqnicka Mack, mom to 12-year-old Madison, is also on the parent squad.
“I like that the girls are able to come together and learn new things,” she said.
For Madison, her goal is to own her own business. “The program helps you to know yourself,” Madison said.
Moore’s 11-year-old daughter Imani is one of the 75 to 80 girls who participate each year.
Ladies Under Construction is accepting girls who want to enroll in the spring program. There is an open house from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Pure in Heart Center at 2160 W. 86th St.
Volunteers are needed as well, Moore said.
“We are looking for group mentors who can make a commitment of at least once a week for 10 weeks for our spring or fall program,” she said. However, other opportunities for a shorter time frame are also available.
Those who want to join or volunteer can attend the open house or visit the nonprofit’s website.Mirror Indy reporter Diane Moore covers the east side of Indianapolis. Contact her at diane.moore@mirrorindy.org or 317-732-5122. Follow her on X @DianeMoore80711.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
