The August issue of SITI GIRL Chicago is ALL about the incredible people, programs, events, outcomes and GIRLS of Girls Inc. of Chicago. Learn what we’re completely inspired, empowered, and uplifted by this organization that is building a new generation of FEMALE leaders!
Mission + Impact
Girls Inc. of Chicago wholeheartedly embraces our mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. This mission is driven by our vision of a world where all have boundless opportunities for prosperity and safety no matter their zip code, skin color, family income, sexual orientation, country of origin, religion, age, gender identity, or disability.
Girls Inc. Bill of Rights
Girls Inc. of Chicago IMPACT
Impact is important to Girls Inc. of Chicago. At the beginning of the school year and at the end of the school year, we survey the girls in our program to assess students’ attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the academic content. We are extremely proud of our results.
1) 75% of Girls Inc. girls in high school feel happy with their bodies, compared to 22% nationally. Girls increase their understanding of health issues affecting them, their families, and their communities. They develop the motivation and practical skills to take charge of their health today and throughout their lives. Through Healthy Living programming girls increase their level of physical activity and view their bodies more positively.
2) 73% of Girls Inc. girls say, “I can do even the hardest homework if I try.” Girls participate in program activities and experiences that expand on and support their school-based learning and engagement. Through Academic Enrichment & Support programming girls improve their outlook and performance in school.
3) 91% of Girls Inc. girls reported being hopeful about their futures. Girls participate in activities and experiences that build the learning, skills and behaviors that enable them to function independently and live a productive and fulfilling lives. Through Life Skills programming girls increase persistence and resilience.
Scroll through the impact results:
Three elements are critical to successful outcomes at Girls Inc. of Chicago
1) People: Trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships. Our staff take the time to engage with families, encourage girls to pursue leadership positions, and serve as role models.
2) Environment: Emotionally safe; where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect.
3) Programming: Culturally and age-appropriate that addresses girls’ social and emotional needs.
Informed by girls and their families, we focus on policies that increase opportunities for all girls, particularly for those with the fewest resources. We tackle the systemic barriers that affect the conditions in which girls are growing up by:
- Translating our work with girls in the field into powerful advocacy to improve their opportunities to succeed.
- Engaging girls themselves as well as local leaders and other stakeholders to push for policy changes that advance girls’ rights and opportunities.
- Working to ensure girls have the knowledge and resources to lead healthy lives, access meaningful educational opportunities, prevent and curtail physical and sexual violence, and secure better outcomes for girls who experience trauma and who are involved with the juvenile justice system.
