If you have a question, feel free to email us at gimc@girlsinc-monroe.org.
MERGER FAQ’S
What will the management structure look like for Girls Inc. Monroe County’s
programming after the merger has taken effect?
Marisa Churchill will be serving as the Director of Operations for Girls Inc. of Monroe County and lead the operational effort here in Monroe County. Marisa will report to Amy Dillon, Executive Director in charge of the Shelby affiliate and its growth in South Central and East Central Indiana.
What are the new directions that Girls Inc. Monroe is taking with the new brand re-launch and merger with Girls Inc. Shelby County?
We have chosen to focus our efforts in the areas with the most potential impact for the futures of young girls in our community. Our research-based programming makes a lasting difference for girls, so, we are compelled to grow, and give new directions to the futures of more girls. Our service delivery model has expanded to include school-based programming around healthy sexuality, substance abuse, and self-esteem building. We will no longer be offering sports camps or the after-school program.
Why switch to school-based programming?
We are passionate about achieving impactful outcomes and this allows us to reach all girls in our communities rather than just those who choose to seek out the important messages.
What is the long-term goal for the Monroe County Brand Launch?
It is important that the community and its residents understand the valuable resources made available by our organization. Raising awareness of those efforts can provide additional girls with the opportunity to benefit from our impact. It can also help us as we seek funding to grow those services locally. The sky is the limit when it comes to how we can help girls become strong, smart, and bold, but we can’t do it alone. Sharing our new directions will increase the accountability, but ensure we do it effectively and efficiently.
GENERAL FAQ’S
What are Girls Inc. of Monroe County’s key program activities?
Girls Inc. programs are available for three major age groups: elementary, middle school, and high school. Our programs are designed to help girls:
- Improve Self-Esteem
- Boost Grades
- Become Active In Their Communities
- Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Become Economically Independent Women
Click here to learn about our key program activities.
What makes Girls Inc. unique?
Girls Inc. programming:
- Is comprehensive, including modules that develop across four age groups, building on learning from one area to another, rather than organized in short-term activities related to a variety of topics.
- Is intentionally focused on gender equity, inspiring girls to be strong, smart & bold, and key issues like pregnancy prevention, rather than general youth development and “safer” topics.
- Is based on high-quality, longitudinal, national evaluation research, rather than only local evaluation of program quality.
- Is delivered by professionally-trained facilitators, to ensure we are offerring excellent programs.
- Includes role modeling and mentoring as key components where older girls connect with younger girls, rather than groups segregated by age.
- Provides opportunities for girls to work with a number of adults with a variety of skills, rather than limiting the adults involved in the same one or two people over time.
- Reaches many girls who would otherwise be left out of enrichment programs.
How can I get my daughter involved in Girls Inc.?
Our goal is to reach all students in grades 5-8 during their school day with our school partner-based programming. Additionally, parents can enroll their daughter in an evening program by downloading the appropriate form(s) from our website or by contacting the Girls Inc. of Monroe County office and filling out necessary forms. A Girls Inc. of Monroe County representative will assist parents with understanding eligibility requirements and in selecting the right program for their daughter.
Why does Girls Inc. only serve girls?
The all-girl atmosphere allows girls to plunge into activities without worrying about whether they “belong” or not – or whether they are more or less skilled than boys. Gender-specific programming lets girls focus on their real interests, at their own pace, free from distractions and comparisons.
Girls Inc. believes and seeks to teach every girl that she has the right:
- To prepare for interesting work and economic independence
- To accept and appreciate her body
- To take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in her success
- To express herself with originality and enthusiasm
- To be herself and resist gender stereotypes
What are the costs of Girls Inc, programs?
Girls Inc. Membership: $25 per semester
Evening programming: No cost to our girls
Summer Camp: $75 per week
School-Based Programming: No cost to our girls
We strive to ensure that all Girls Inc. of Monroe County programs remain affordable to our participants. Families should not be discouraged from enrolling their daughters in our programs because of the cost. Scholarships or sliding fees are available to those families who demonstrate economic need.
How can I get involved with Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County as a donor?
There are a variety of ways for individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Girls Inc. as a donor including our Annual Gala, Champions for Girls group, and our Corporate Partners program.
How can I get involved with Girls Inc. as a volunteer?
Volunteers play a key component in the success of Girls Inc. Volunteer opportunities are available to individuals, corporations, high school students, college students, and graduate students. Click here for additional details.
How is Girls Inc. of Monroe County funded?
Girls Inc. of Monroe County is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt agency (Federal ID # 35-1277849) and operates on a carefully managed budget. 85% of our funding comes from individuals, corporations, and grants.
How does Girls Inc. compare to the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, or Girl Scouts?
Girls Inc. takes a holistic approach to a girl’s life. Our programs focus on educational enrichment. Programs introducing career and life planning take their educational plans a step further and helps girls learn about potential careers and higher education. Programs include pregnancy and substance abuse prevention, science, math and technology, leadership development, economic literacy, and personal safety. All programs are facilitated by Girls Inc. staff who have been trained in Girls Inc. programming.
Programs are designed to empower girls to set and achieve goals and make plans for their futures that will enable them to become responsible, self-sufficient women.
Does Girls Inc. serve only low-income areas or at-risk girls?
Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire ALL girls to be strong, smart, and bold, with special attention to girls who are at high risk. We currently serve specific communities and schools based on determined needs and available funding.
What are some of the corporations that sit on your board?
Our board of directors comes from a variety of Monroe, Shelby, and Decatur County’s top businesses and educational institutions. Click here for a complete list of our board members.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
Our staff has a combination of experience and education in various fields of study. Most have or are currently working on a BA or BS degree. We currently have the following Bachelor’s degrees represented:
- Finance
- Education
- Media
- Multi-media
- Business
- Women’s Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Social Work
- Child & Adolescent Development
- Psychology & Social Behavior
- Film
- Human Services
- Public Relations
- Sociology
- Sociology on Conflict
- International Affairs
- Marketing
Program staff also participate in national and local training, conferences, and seminars related to youth development and prevention efforts.
What are some of your challenges (helping girls, raising money, etc.)?
Girls Inc. operates on a limited budget, relying heavily on gift support from individuals, corporations, and grants. Click here to learn more about how you can support Girls Inc.