MEET "MONICA"

LIKES: Our current featured resident, Monica, loves to work with her hands. She used to help her dad work on cars and quickly learned the enjoyment of creativity and hard work. Monica is also very social and enjoys spending time with friends. Monica loves to listen to music and to create it- she plays the cello.

WHAT SHE HAS OVERCOME: Monica is in care at the Girls' Home due to abuse and neglect by her parents.  Her father was not actively involved and her mother regularly used illegal drugs in the home, often leaving Monica unsupervised and exposed to other addicts. At a very young age, Monica's mother prostituted her out for drug money.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:  Monica recently became a Junior Scholar.  This program, developed by the South Carolina Department of Education, identifies students with academic talent. In order to become a Junior Scholar, Monica had to achieve an above average score on the PSAT. Along with receiving an Award of Merit from the SCDE, she may also be invited to attend summer opportunities at participating South Carolina colleges and universities.