The Ladies In Waiting Inc. mentoring program is entering its fifth year of serving girls from Paulding and Douglas counties.

Getting girls together to share their accomplishments, goals, fears and concerns has helped keep them focused on the bigger picture. Character development, leadership, life skills training and prevention are discussed in the Lithia Springs-based organization’s “Jewel Talk” rap sessions. Participants also have taken field trips to local attractions and have served the community in service projects.

During the spring, the program celebrated its graduating seniors with a debutante cotillion.

In addition, the program offers community workshops using the Dove Self-Esteem Program for girls ages 8 through 12 and the Emory University “Media Madness” curriculum for middle school boys and girls.

This year the program will hold a college fair in the fall, inviting 100 colleges and universities from the Southeast to participate, as well as a girls’ conference in March to coincide with Women’s History Month.

Also this year, Ladies In Waiting will expand to include girls who reside near Jessie Davis Park in Douglasville and the South Cobb Recreational Center in Austell.

All applications should be submitted by Saturday, July 31, for fall participation.

Additionally, a number of volunteer opportunities for adult women need to be filled, including mentoring and guest speaking.

For more information, see www.LadiesInWaitingInc.

org.