Community Connection: Girls Inc. of Johnson County

Girls Inc. of Johnson County

By Erin Smith
Photos courtesy of Amy Chandler of Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. Lindsey Lampert 2013-resize
Gracelin, Lulu, and Program Specialist Lindsay Lambert

Do you know a girl who is STRONG, SMART and BOLD? Perhaps she comes by this naturally, but many times, there is an active program and/or mentor that influences a child’s behavior. We have a wonderful program for girls doing just that here in our own backyard. Girls Inc. of Johnson County seeks to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold.

Effectively meeting the needs of girls in the community includes helping girls overcome the effects of discrimination and develop their capacity to be self-sufficient, become responsible members of the community and serve as a vigorous advocate for girls, focusing attention on their special needs.

The national organization of Girls Inc. supports local affiliates and was named one of the top five high impact youth serving organizations by Guidestar this past year. I have personally seen the program change the lives of young women who need others to believe in them, instill confidence and be mentors through childhood and adolescence.

Just reading their “Bill of Rights” is empowering! Imagine what society would be like if all our young women emulated these beliefs:

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes. Girls Inc. sends a clear message that every girl is to be honored and valued for who she is.

Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm. Girls Inc. motivates girls to speak up for themselves among friends, in school, at home and in the community.

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in success. Girls Inc. believes girls should be allowed to discover their own strengths, talents and dreams. Girls are encouraged to risk failure and to learn from their mistakes.

Girls have the right to appreciate and accept their bodies. Girls are encouraged to accept their bodies and be proud of their individual shapes, sizes, colors, abilities and strengths.

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world. Girls Inc. strengthens girls with knowledge and skills to help them live safer lives and the ability to defend themselves, if necessary.

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence. Girls Inc. recognizes that every girl should possess the skills, knowledge and confidence she needs to achieve financial independence and take charge of her life.

Do you know a young woman that could benefit from being a part of Girls Inc. of Johnson County? Do you have time to be a mentor? Our girls in Johnson County need you! Please contact the office today and let them know how you can support the organization. Scholarships are needed for Summer Camp and after-school programs.

Biggest Needs
Vacuum
Paper goods (paper towels, Kleenex, toilet paper)

Board of Directors
Officers: 
Cindy Weddle, President
Jack Taylor, Treasurer
Tara Mirchandani, Secretary

Members:
Amanda Eck
Lisa Greisemer
Susan Hoffman
Twyla Lamb
Shirley Mack
Suzanne Miller
Danny Paul
Dana Sanders
Tamara Storey

Staff Members:
Sonya Ware-Meguiar
Chief Executive Officer
sonya@girlsincjc.org

Amy Chandler
Office Manager
amy@girlsincjc.org

Cristal Nevins
Program Coordinator
cristal@girlsincjc.org

Bonnie Pottschmidt
Program Specialist

Dana Henson
Program Specialist/Sisterhood

Lindsay Lambert
Program Specialist

Amanda Henthron
Program Specialist

Elisa Irskens
Program Specialist

Contact: 317-736-5344, girlsincjc.org

WOW Facts

Girls Inc. of Johnson County has been in existence for 72 years! The Girls Inc. movement started in New England during the Industrial Revolution as a response to the needs of a new working class. (girlsinc.org/about/about-girls-inc.html)

 


Erin Smith

Erin Smith is President of Spotlight Strategies, a well-known print, apparel, and promotional products firm. Considered an elite woman in business, Erin has won prestigious awards and been given high honors for excellence in business and community leadership. She has established herself as a difference-maker in the areas of women’s leadership and community philanthropy throughout the Midwest.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Send me your media kit!

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6486003", formId: "5ee2abaf-81d9-48a9-a10d-de06becaa6db" });