Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center

The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center strives to provide young girls and women of Jacksonville guidance, leadership and counseling.

Senior Vice-President Vicky Basra believes it is imperative for young women to have their needs recognized and met through studies, advocacy, training and programs.

“Historically, many models that have been built to respond to our youth were built based off old research, done by men that was focused on men and boys,” Basra said. “One is not any more important than the other, but there are differing needs.”

The mission of the policy center has catered to girls and young women; especially those in the justice system, since its inception in 2013.

The Justice for Girls Leadership Council was initiated by President and CEO Dr. Lawanda Revoira. The policy center was named after Delores Barr Weaver. She was a member of the council and donated funds to get the center started. Additional donations have been contributed since.

“In research, what we saw was that Duval county was arresting and locking more girls up than any other county in Florida; including Dade. She [Dr.Revoira] decided to bring leaders from the community together to address this,” Basra said.

The Girls Matter initiative was developed by way of the leadership council. It is extended through elementary and preschools throughout Duval county with a focal point of preventing girls from going into the juvenile justice system.

Those who participate in the program can be referred by teachers, parents or any other administration.

“A lot of the girls that we work with in our community are facing so many additional barriers. A lot of times, school is not a priority when you are growing up in a community where you hear gun shots every night, there is violence in the home, or you have a parent who is working two jobs just to make ends meet,” Basra said.

Girls who are interested in being a part of programs through the policy center, as well as volunteers and those looking to donate, can learn more information by visiting the website at www.seethegirl.org .

“The model we have created here at the policy center is that girls are our partners. When they are given opportunity, they can move mountains,” Basra said.