"I'm locked up. Crocheting makes my time go by, and I'm benefiting other people," the teen said at the Ventura County juvenile justice center in El Rio.

Mayra, incarcerated more than a dozen times, said that helping others has made her realize her value, something she failed to see when she first landed in jail five years ago.

"Making blankets has made me believe I can make a difference," said Mayra, whose last name is not being used because of her age. "Every blanket I make is keeping someone warm. It makes me proud of myself."

Mayra is among 25 girls at the facility who are realizing their worth thanks to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a national program with a mission to empower at-risk young people.

Girls land in the system for a variety of reasons, including petty theft, aggravated assault, drug use, vehicle theft, running away from home, carjacking, robbery or assault with a deadly weapon.

"These girls are in the system because they became involved in very compromising situations for survival," Priebe said. Through programs like Girls Inc., "we are reminding them of the positives, like their resiliency."

The girls are reminded daily with a giant banner in their unit with the words: "Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold." On a nearby wall, a "Girls' Bill of Rights" reminds them that they "have the right to be themselves and resist gender stereotypes ¿ to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm ¿ to take risks, strive freely, and take pride in success ¿ to accept and appreciate their bodies ¿ to have confidence in themselves and be safe in the world ¿ to prepare for interesting work and economic independence."

For example, positive body image workshops cover the effects of the media on teens, eating disorders and self-injury. A course on preventing adolescent pregnancy addresses will power, female health and hygiene, abstinence, contraception, values and morals, and education about sexually transmitted diseases. An economic literacy course covers decision-making, goal-setting, strategic plans for the future, money management and investing.

Inside a wireless computer lab, the girls learn Microsoft Office, research skills, and programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. A dog therapy program makes the girls responsible for the house dog named Scout, instilling patience and how to give and receive unconditional love.

"When I'm looking for a job, I'll know how to fill out resumés and what to do during an interview," said the teen, who wants to work as a nursing assistant.

Community service is also a part of Girls Inc. In a program called Outreach to Africa, the girls crochet scarves and baby blankets that are delivered to Swaziland to a population hit by AIDS and HIV.

"A girl wanted to have sex, so she called me about birth control. ¿ Another girl who was in an abusive relationship before and didn't know it filed a restraining order the next time around," Elizalde said.

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