Over the last two weeks, Girls Inc has provided leadership for three important community programs: Dresses for a Cure (4/17), Take Our Daughters to Work Day (4/23) and the Taking Steps Walk (4/26) to end violence against women and families. The best part of all of these programs is that girls took the opportunities be their best - to lead - to positively impact our community.
On April 17, dozens of girls from across Central MA were able to purchase fabulous prom dresses and fashion accessories for $20 - a fraction of their real cost - and enjoy and/or participate in a fashion show at the new Worcester VoTech Campus - with all the proceeds going to fight cancer! Everyone Wins!
On April 23, dozens of girls were partnered with adult mentors and spent the day learning how to be a firefighter, meter reader, State Senator, Executive Director - of Girls Inc and Girl Scouts!, lacrosse coach, magazine editor, work with horses, work with children, and the list goes on! The day ended with a moving presentation by Dr. Gail Carberry, President of Quin-Sig Community College, who shared her own story of perseverence and commitment to education with the girls and their mentors at our "afterwork networking event." Special thanks to the Women's Initiative of the United Way, to the Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA, to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and to WSRS radio for their support to make this day so memorable!
On Sunday, April 26, three girls representing Girls Inc cut the ribbon to start the Taking Steps Walk - a 5K walk through Worcester that raises funds to end violence against women and children. The walk benefits the Rape Crisis Center, the YWCA and Girls Inc. The girls were tired and a bit sunburned after the walk, but committed to building healthy relationships and supporting programs that help reduce the peer to peer, school, family and community violence in all of our lives.
The most important part of this experience for me is that the adults involved in each of these events had the opportunity to learn about the lives of busy, gifted and courageous girls - and our adult lives are greatly enriched as a result! Thank you girls!!!
Cathi