Passages Northwest

For many girls, adolescence is a pivotal point of self-discovery and the bridge to adulthood. If crossed successfully, it can prepare them to make a lifetime of positive, healthy choices. But for girls from broken homes, the inner city or the foster-care system, adolescence can be especially challenging. Reliable mentors are rare, consistent support from teachers can be unreliable, and parents are often unable to provide day-to-day nurture and guidance.

At the brink of adolescence, studies show, nearly all girls experience a drop in self-esteem—which might result in falling behind in school, developing an eating disorder, or succumbing to unhealthy relationships.

In 1996, Passages Northwest founders Annie Lareau and Jane Bierman Seibel possessed a simple mission: to instill courage and leadership in the girls and women who need it most, and to do so through the integrated exploration of the arts and the natural environment. Seven years later, more than 1,800 Seattle-area girls and women have found in Passages Northwest a community that has supported and strengthened them.

By blending wilderness experiences with artistic activities and hands-on science projects, trained mentors help girls express themselves and instill a love of learning. And Passages Northwest coordinates its efforts in partnership with local schools, organizations, and businesses.

Velma, a 9th-grade student at Garfield High School in Seattle, has grown up in the foster-care system. Without a stable home, she faced a number of challenges as she entered adolescence.

In 1999, Velma discovered Girls Rock!—Passages Northwest’s after-school rock-climbing program. By climbing walls, backpacking through the Northwest wilderness, and benefiting from the guidance of a mentor, Velma discovered her own voice and a newfound confidence in herself.

Velma faces the struggles of adolescence with the same vigor she uses to rock climb or help lead an outdoor summer adventure—with courage. And she knows that courage extends beyond her favorite climbing walls and trails: “To me, courage means having self confidence, standing up for what you believe in, using your voice, and letting others know what you have to say.”