Dear Friends,
We know that empowering girl’s changes lives, strengthens communities, and improves society. Yet girls do not have equal opportunity to grow, achieve and lead—especially girls growing up in poverty and in more rural areas. But thanks to you, our supporters, Girls Inc. is filling the gap by providing girls a powerful combination of long-term mentorship, safe spaces, and access to knowledge and skill-building opportunities that enable them to succeed in life.
Our research-based programming makes a lasting difference for girls. And so, we are compelled to grow, to bring Girls Inc. to more girls. That is why we have expanded our service delivery model to include school-based programming around healthy sexuality, substance abuse, and self-esteem building. In addition to the full Girls Inc. experience being offered at our center in Shelbyville, we have taken our programming that addresses the major issues that girls face today to girls in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 in all Shelbyville, Shelby County, Greensburg, and Decatur County Schools. We are proud to report that last year, we served 3,319 girls with comprehensive programming through our after school, summer camp, gymnastics, and school-based program offerings.
As part of our growth strategy, we have also invested in programming for boys. We offer corresponding programs (healthy sexuality, substance abuse, and self-esteem building) to boys in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 at all of our school partner locations. In total, we are delivering programming to approximately 1,100 boys annually. This investment has ensured that we are delivering positive messages to girls and boys alike, and our school partnerships are growing immensely because of both the girl and boy components of our service delivery model.
Girls Inc. is strong, growing, and well-positioned for continued impact and expansion. We remain the expert on girl development; our relevance is higher than ever; and we are making a meaningful and measurable difference in girls’ and boys’ lives. The time is now for Girls Inc. and our mission to empower girls with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
With you and Girls Inc. in their corner, girls in our community can succeed. Girls Inc. is poised to serve even more girls (and boys) and provide life-changing opportunities that empower them to become the next generation of leaders.
Today, there is unparalleled momentum around advancing the rights and opportunities of girls and women. We are proud to be a part of this movement and grateful to have your support. Thank you for your belief in our mission and in the power and potential of every girl.
Respectfully,
Amy L Dillon
President & CEO
Amy Dillon serves as the President & CEO of Girls Inc. of Shelbyville & Shelby County, Indiana. She assumed this position in March 2011 after serving in executive roles in local government for twelve years. Under Amy’s leadership, Girls Inc. has experienced significant growth with impact. In 2010, her affiliate served 875 girls through its center-based operations, and now the organization serves more than 3,300 girls annually through after school programs, summer camp, gymnastics, and school-based programs. Amy is currently serving as the Region I affiliate representative to the Girls Inc. National Board of Directors.