WORCESTER — Girls Inc. of Worcester has always stayed true to its mission of helping girls to be strong, smart and bold in whatever way was relevant to the times. For the 1,400 girls across Worcester County served by the nonprofit, which is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary, the times have changed significantly while the mission has held its ground.
Though it started as something of a clubhouse to provide a safe haven for young women working in factories, the organization has worked hard throughout the decades to meet the always evolving needs of girls and young women.
“I guess it was around the 1950s when Girls Inc. was really dedicated to helping girls build skills as homemakers so they could birth and raise the future leaders of America,” said CEO Victoria Waterman. “Now, they are the leaders.”
Kicking off a “With You in Her Corner” fundraising campaign, the nonprofit seeks to raise $5.5 million through private donations, grants and partnerships so it can continue to offer excellent programs — including a special initiative called Eureka devoted to encouraging STEM learning and careers for girls — for the better part of another century.