Nonprofit Spotlight

words Catherine Frederick with Amanda Daniels, Executive Director, Girls Inc.

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.

1415 Old Greenwood Road Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.0375 girlsincfortsmith.org

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

DS: Who does Girls Inc. serve and in what ways? Our programs serve girls age five to eighteen. In 2019, we served 1,441 girls. Each week/month we serve approximately 300 – 500 girls depending on what time of year it is or if we have a recreational sports league in season. We offer after-school programming, summer programs, recreational volleyball, basketball and dance as well as outreach partnerships with schools. Of course, some of this has had to change, or at least our normal way of facilitating these programs under current circumstances due to COVID.

DS: Tell us how Girls Inc. impacts our community. Girls Inc. impacts the community in so many positive ways. Our programs offer parents an affordable option for after-school and summer care while providing a safe, girls-only environment where they continue learning even when out of the classroom. Our sports programs are a great option for girls to learn a sport and develop teamwork skills among other traits to help them become successful and confident. We also partner with schools to provide several different options for outreach programs. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the 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. At Girls Inc., girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

DS: How can our community get involved and show support? We always need volunteers, especially coaches for our sports leagues. However, volunteers can come for a one-day event as well, such as speaking to our girls about their profession or a topic of interest. There are also always projects for groups such as helping with landscaping, painting, etc.

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

DS: Are there any upcoming events our readers should know about? Unfortunately, most of our events have been cancelled. We did however make our luncheon virtual this year and we encourage everyone to go and watch it on YouTube or Facebook. It will give you a ton of insight on all aspects of Girls Inc. of Fort Smith. We do have our annual golf tournament coming up as well on October 12th at Hardscrabble Country Club.