Empowering Girls: How Girls Inc. & BABES Inc. Are Making A Difference
Can a single organization truly change the trajectory of a girl's life? Girls Incorporated, a national nonprofit youth organization, believes it can, and for over 150 years, they've been proving it.
Girls Incorporated isn't just an organization; it's a movement. It's a testament to the power of investing in the potential of young women. Its mission, a simple yet powerful one, is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. This isn't a superficial aspiration; it's a deeply rooted commitment to equipping girls with the tools they need to navigate an often-challenging world and become confident leaders in their communities and beyond. They are the leading expert on girls and equip girls to reach their full potential while advocating with and for them.
| Organization Name | Girls Incorporated |
| Mission | To inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. |
| Focus Areas | Leadership Development, STEM Education, Economic Literacy, Healthy Living, Advocacy |
| Programs Offered | After-school programs, summer camps, mentoring, advocacy initiatives, workshops, and more. |
| Geographic Reach | United States and Canada, with 75 affiliates. |
| Key Initiatives |
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| Historical Context | Founded in 1864, originally serving girls and young women experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War. |
| Impact | Empowers girls to overcome obstacles and limitations, and builds a new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders. |
| Website | Girls Inc. Official Website |
The organization's roots run deep. More than a century and a half ago, in the wake of the Civil War, it was founded to serve girls and young women facing immense challenges. The landscape has changed dramatically since then, but the core mission remains the same: to provide girls with the resources and support they need to thrive. They have continuously adapted to meet the evolving societal and environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities. The organization recognizes and supports the strength in every girl. Their approach isn't just about providing services; it's about fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering girls to make informed decisions about their lives.
The early days saw young women migrating from rural communities to cities, seeking opportunities in the burgeoning textile mills and factories. Girls Incorporated was there, providing a safe haven and essential support. Today, the challenges may look different from navigating the complexities of social media to tackling systemic inequalities but the need for a dedicated ally remains. The organization understands that the definition of 'strong, smart, and bold' is constantly evolving. What it meant in 1864 might be different from what it means today, but the core values of resilience, intelligence, and courage are timeless.
Across the United States and Canada, Girls Incorporated operates through a network of 75 affiliates, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the girls in their communities. At the national level, the organization provides resources, training, and support to these affiliates, ensuring that the mission is carried out effectively. One example is the Chicago affiliate, which delivers programs designed to give girls from Chicagos South Side opportunities to thrive in the classroom, the boardroom, and beyond. Another is in Orange County, which is celebrating seven decades of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The organization is committed to the strengthening of families in the effort to prevent child abuse.
The programs offered by Girls Incorporated are diverse and impactful. They encompass a wide range of activities, from after-school programs and summer camps to mentoring initiatives and advocacy efforts. The organization focuses on several key areas, including STEM education, economic literacy, healthy living, and leadership development. The goal is to equip girls with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives. They apply their expertise to support girls in becoming strong, confident leaders. They have been building a new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders in over 3,390 sites across the United States and Canada. They equip girls to reach their full potential and stand in solidarity with them so they can overcome obstacles and limitations.
Take the example of a young woman named Emily, an alumna of the Orange County program. She, like countless others, credits Girls Incorporated with shaping her life, providing her with the confidence and skills she needed to pursue her dreams. And what of the future? Lucy Santana, the Chief Executive Officer, speaks of an equitable future for generations to come. This is the vision a world where girls are not just surviving but thriving, where they have the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential.
The work extends beyond the programs themselves. It involves a commitment to advocating for policies that support girls and young women. It means raising awareness about the challenges they face and working to create a society where they can thrive. Its about being a voice for those who are often unheard and ensuring that girls have a seat at the table.
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the first program site was established. There, and in communities across the nation, Girls Incorporated is making a tangible difference. The organization's mission is not merely to provide services; it is to create a culture of empowerment, where girls are encouraged to take risks, embrace their potential, and become the leaders of tomorrow. They hope to prevent child abuse and break the cycle of unhealthy communication in relationships, by strengthening families through support and educational programs.
Beyond the core programming, Girls Incorporated also recognizes the importance of addressing the challenges families face. They provide respite services for parents, offering support and resources to families in need. While not directly affiliated with Girls Incorporated, organizations like B.A.B.E.S., Inc., which provides child abuse prevention programs in Appleton, Wisconsin, play a vital role in strengthening families and preventing child abuse. The Child abuse prevention program requires all unvaccinated individuals to wear masks while on our premises. For fully vaccinated individuals, masking is optional. Visits to their facility are by appointment only. Please call 920.733.6886, or email info@babeshelp.org to schedule an appointment.
The organization understands that to truly support girls, it must address the root causes of the challenges they face. This means working to break the cycle of poverty, promote economic literacy, and advocate for policies that support girls' health and well-being. It involves fostering a sense of self-worth and resilience that will empower them to overcome obstacles. This comprehensive approach is what sets Girls Incorporated apart. It's not just about providing programs; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem where girls can thrive.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the Youth & Family Services Girls Inc. affiliate offers vital support to girls and their families. They, like the other affiliates, are committed to the mission of inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold. They understand that the impact of their programs extends far beyond the classroom. They are about empowering girls to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who can make a positive difference in the world. Also, Babes combines puppets, stories and discussions designed to help school children develop positive living skills. Following an orientation by babes coordinator, volunteers are paired and scheduled into area schools.
The work of organizations like Girls Incorporated is more critical than ever. In a world that often undervalues girls and young women, it provides a powerful voice of support and encouragement. Its a reminder that every girl has the potential to achieve greatness and that with the right support, they can and will. It's a testament to the power of community, the importance of investing in the next generation, and the unwavering belief that a better future is possible, one girl at a time. They are inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. They equip girls to reach their full potential while advocating with and for them.
For those seeking to support this vital work, there are numerous ways to get involved. You can volunteer your time, share your talent, or provide financial support. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. Learn how you can support their mission with your time, talent, or treasure.
