Executive Summary

When Girls For A Change achieved non-profit status in 2004, many people asked, “Why girls?” “Why Black girls?” “Why not Black boys?” Ahead of our time, we knew that Black girls needed an organization that centered, celebrated, invested in, and encouraged them.

We began with offering a social justice curriculum through our flagship Girl Action Teams to middle and high schools in Richmond Public Schools. The demand for our programs grew as parents, administrators, elected officials and beyond saw the critical need to intervene in Black girls’ development to encourage their confidence, esteem, identity and agency. Since 2004, we have served over 30,000 girls in the Greater Richmond area.

This growth resulted in purchasing a modest building, which used to be a 7-Eleven. Though small, we have been able to serve over 700 girls a year in our facility. Additionally, our program offerings grew to meet the needs of girls from elementary age into their young adulthood.

Our growth has been exponential and has exceeded our early dreams – it is time for us to secure Girls For A Change in perpetuity, build a legacy, and model the importance of real estate ownership for financial stability. Thus we have embarked on a journey to build our new 16,000 square foot home.

We are claiming our space in every sense – believing it is possible, owning the land for our future build and moving forward with an inclusive group of architectural, construction, design and community partners who believe in our mission. We can identify one million reasons for you to help us build our $5.5 million dollar new space - and we hope you resonate with one.

Our Mission

Prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls.

Our Why

We aim to provide a community building space that is culturally responsive and affirms Black girls. Together parents, staff, alumnae, partners, volunteers, and community members will implement practice-based models that affirm, codify, and integrate Afrocentric experiences, values, history, and change. We will create opportunity and access, increasing pathways to success by equipping Black girls with the skills and agency to be leaders and contributors in their communities and the global society.

Our Vision

The Girls For A Change Branch will intentionally and consistently center Black girls. We commit to protecting and affirming brave spaces to reflect their lived experiences and perspectives, honoring the importance of Umoja (unity) and embracing selflessness. With this community-mindedness, we will work toward healing and restoring broken communities by providing a way for people to connect in a sacred and celebratory space.