DPD launches mentorship program to empower young girls

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Detroit Police Department launched a new program to help empower and inspire young girls.

The eight week program pairs female officers with young ladies to mentor them toward success.

Officer Kristy Elswick started "Young Ladies with Purpose" for girls ages ten to fourteen.

"My favorite is bingo because you get a prize if you win and you get to tell about yourself on the paper," said participant Kierra Parker.

Officer Elswick began the hands on program because she didn't feel there was a place for girls to find it, own it, and live it. She also wanted to give girls somebody they can actually have a relationship with.

"Somebody they don't have to be afraid of, somebody who they can just talk with," said Elswick.

The Commander for the 10th precinct also sees this as a chance to improve community police relations, which is how the community sees police and how police see their community.

"We need people that understand what these young ladies are going through, so they can help mentor them into being good, productive members of society. A significant side benefit of that are the numerous positive interactions that are going to happen within the program between sworn in civilian members of the police department, and these young ladies and their families," said Commander Nick Kyriacou, 10th Precinct DPD.

To enroll in the female-to-female mentorship program:
Call the 10th precinct at 313-596-1000
Ask for Officer Kristy Elswick