The girls mentoring group at Community Lodgings in Arlandria hosted its Fall Fest Fundraiser on Nov. 3 and raised more than $540 to support future activities and outings.

Comprised of five young professionals and seven teenage mentees, the group created custom T-shirts, jewelry and baked goods to sell. The event, which was at the Fifer Family Learning Center located at 607 Notabene Dr., also included family activities, relay races and a haunted house.

More than 50 people attended the event.

The mentoring group is led by volunteer mentors Stephanie Hemmert, Lisa Rowen, Denise Boamah, Holly Mosurick and Chasity Hughes.

Mentors devote two hours each week to working with the teenage girls enrolled in Community Lodgings' afterschool program, exposing them to new experiences, building self-esteem and cultivating valuable relationships.

"Our mentoring group is working to encourage the girls to strive for their best in school and in life,” Rowen said. “It is essential that they respect themselves and others and also have self-confidence. Ultimately, our wish is that the knowledge and experience shared through mentoring helps them to succeed as individuals and continuously find the best in each of themselves.”

Typical group activities include recreational outings, movie nights and crafts.

To learn more about Community Lodgings and its programs, visit its website.