Girls Inc. of Worcester today announced at its CentenniGIRL event plans for a multi-year $5.5 million capital campaign to ensure thousands of local girls have access to an innovative, dynamic and environmentally-sustainable building facility.
The facility, located at 125 Providence Street in Worcester, will provide girls age five to 18 access to critical cutting-edge programs which strengthen the Girls Inc. mission of empowering all girls to be STRONG, SMART and BOLD. The “With You in Her Corner” Capital Campaign already raised nearly 60 percent of its goal during the silent phase of the campaign, which began in June 2015, with funding through corporate, private and local foundations.
“It takes all of us, working together, to ensure girls succeed and grow up to become leaders and positive contributors to the community,” said Victoria Waterman, CEO, Girls Inc. of Worcester. “With the generosity of our ‘With You in Her Corner’ supporters, we are able to champion for today’s girls to become tomorrow’s women leaders.”
Chairing the “With You in Her Corner” Capital Campaign are Mary Ellen and Ken Atchue, and Diane and Doug Meystre.
“We know continued support by staff and programs at Girls Inc. of Worcester are essential to ensure all girls successfully complete their high school education and have the best opportunity to succeed in a career path of their choice,” said Mr. Atchue. "We believe this campaign offers friends of Girls Inc. of Worcester the opportunity to support the growth and development of our girls in a safe, welcoming and thoughtfully modernized building. This will allow Girls Inc. of Worcester to continue to be an anchor in one of Worcester's most challenging and important neighborhoods,” added Mrs. Meystre.
Since the beginning of the silent phase, renovation of the Girls Inc. of Worcester pool and locker rooms were completed, allowing participants to swim and participate in water safety classes. Additionally, heating and cooling system improvements in the gymnasium and auditorium will be completed shortly to double capacity of year-round programs. Over the next 3 years, the facility will open newly-designed computer, innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) centers as well as renovate its existing entrance and lobby to provide girls a flexible, safe and functional space to explore, grow and receive critical academic and mentoring support.
The campaign will continue through 2017.