Girls on the Run Sows Seeds of Kindness at Berwick Walk-In Care

The waiting room at Berwick Walk-In Care is blossoming with positivity thanks to nine thoughtful and creative young women from the Berwick chapter of Girls on the Run Maine (GOTR) who recently cultivated a “GOTR Garden of Inspiration” for their Community Impact Project. Boasting a colorful bouquet of paper flowers decorated with photographs and inspirational messages, the garden was created by Chloe Anderson, Eva Beeler, Caleigh Dunn-Cormier, Taylor Gonthier, Shaylah Goulet, Allison Hackworth, Maya Hartley, Monroe Rhodus, and Kya Stevens.

According to head coach Bethany Raffaele, the goal of the project was “to make a positive impact in our community while also showing some of the things we learned in our Girls on the Run lessons.” Raffaele facilitates the group along with assistant coaches Amanda Annicelli, Ellen Bishop, Sheri Clement, and Maren Robinson.

The idea of showing appreciation to health care workers started to take root “after some brainstorming, cooperation, and compromise,” Raffaele said. Then, there was more brainstorming to bring the idea to fruition.

“Ultimately, the team decided to create a positive affirmation display, which they named ‘GOTR Garden of Inspiration.’ When it came to designing the garden, the girls decorated the flowers and came up with the uplifting messages on the petals all on their own. All the coaches did was help guide them,” Raffaele said.

As the inspiring phrases below demonstrate, the girls definitely have a flair for kind words:

• “Thank you for being there when we need you.”
• “Your hard work is well appreciated.”
• “Thank you for being the awesome person you are.”
• “We are so happy you care for us.”
• “You make our community better.”

That last statement can also be said of the team at Girls on the Run. May the seeds of kindness they have planted blossom throughout our community!

Girls on the Run, a national non-profit organization, inspires girls of all abilities in grades three through 8 to build their confidence, kindness, and decision-making skills. Meeting in small teams, trained volunteer coaches facilitate dynamic, interactive lessons that instill valuable life skills, including the important connection between physical and emotional health. At the end of the season, the team completes a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. Learn more about Girls on the Run at www.girlsontherunmaine.org/.