St. Louis Affiliate of Girls Inc. Hosts National Convention

Girls Incorporated of St. Louis recently hosted the National Convention for 270 affiliates of the national network of Girls Incorporated. Together these non-profit organizations serve more than 138,000 girls across the U.S. and Canada.

“We were delighted to host this year’s convention and what was even more thrilling was that our St. Louis organization was recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Affiliate of the Year,” said Cheryl Jones, president & CEO of Girls Incorporated of St. Louis.

According to Jones: “Girls, Inc. inspires all girls - mostly at risk girls, ages 5-17, in disadvantaged neighborhoods -- to be strong, smart and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals equip girls to achieve academically, lead healthy physically active lives, understand media messages, and develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and math.”

The award is based on ten criteria including: growth in the number of girls served with impact, growth/sustained increase in revenues (for two consecutive years), age range served, service hours, number of delivered programs number of core content areas of programs, percentage of trustees who make personal/annual contribution, growth plan submitted/approved by Regional Director, data base utilization to track girls, fund development plan including accountability of goals, and board and staff participation in regional, national/biennial conference.

The St. Louis affiliate of Girls Inc. is located in Northwoods and has become a pivotal affiliate serving hundreds of girls and coming to the fore throughout the Ferguson crisis. The local affiliate serves over 5,000 girls annually.