Our Community Cares Girl’s Inc.

Our Community Cares

words Catherine Frederick with Amanda Daniels, Executive Director

Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing more than 1,400 girls in Fort Smith and surrounding areas with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges girls face. Do South® reached out to Amanda Daniels, Executive Director, to learn more.

Girls Inc. of Fort Smith 1415 Old Greenwood Road Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782-0375 girlsincfortsmith.org

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge. We will accept requests for this free page beginning in October, 2022. Send questions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com. DS: How did Girls Inc. of Fort Smith come to be? We were established in 1934 in Fort Smith as part of Girls Clubs of America and in the early 90’s, Girls Clubs of America across the nation, became Girls Inc. affiliates.

DS: Who does Girls Inc. serve and in what ways? We serve girls ages 5 - 18. In 2019, we served 1,441 girls. When the pandemic hit, our programs came to a halt and when we started back, we had to keep our numbers low. In 2020 and 2021 we served half the girls we normally would. Our numbers vary depending on the time of year or if our recreational sports leagues are in season. We offer after-school programming, summer programs, recreational volleyball, basketball, and dance, as well as outreach partnerships with schools.

DS: How does Girls Inc. impact our community? We offer affordable options for after-school and summer care while providing a safe, girls-only environment so they continue learning even when out of the classroom. Our sports programs are great options for girls to learn a sport, develop teamwork skills, and make them successful and confident. We also partner with schools to provide several different outreach programs. The Girls Inc. experience consists of trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls.

DS: How can our community get involved and show support? Volunteer! We need you, especially coaches for our sports leagues. However, you can come speak to our girls about your profession or a topic of interest. There are always group projects such as helping with landscaping, painting, etc.

DS: What’s something many people may not know about Girls Inc.? The most significant one may be our scholarship program. We’ve given over half a million dollars in college scholarships to Girls Inc. girls. This year alone we will give out nearly $25,000!

DS: What’s the best thing about working at Girls Inc.? Without a doubt, it’s the girls! As the Director, I don’t have much interaction with the girls on a day-to-day basis, but if I need a pick me up, I walk out of my office and get hugs from the girls and hear about their day or what’s going on in their life. It puts it all back into perspective and reminds me of why I’m here and why Girls Inc. is so important.