More than Fun and Games

When you were young, I bet you liked to have fun and play games. I did too. There was always the fun of playing naturally with friends in the backyard and structured play times (like the 3rd grade lip sync performance). In hindsight, I most enjoyed learning when I didn't even know I was doing so. I was lucky enough to have opportunities like Girl Scouts and great programs at school to get involved in... so many good opportunities, it was sometimes hard to choose. I never imagined that these choices and opportunities did not exist for other girls.

In Shelby County, Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County is one of the only girls-only programs in the area. They have a beautiful center located in the heart of Shelbyville and offer dynamic, affordable programs for girls. They are accessible to many girls and are working to reach girls living in the far reaches of their county. On a recent site visit, I was surprised to learn that they offer the only gymnastics program in Shelby County. They have an amazing facility and offer very reasonable rates so any girl who wants to participate is able to. The girls have the opportunity to compete, and some travel to do so.

In addition to their gymnastics program, Girls Inc. offers age-appropriate hands-on programs for girls, mainly in the summer and before and after school. Some of their offerings include gardening (in collaboration with a local gardening club), cooking, economic literacy, self esteem, and science programs.

Shelby County is lucky to have Girls Inc. to help girls discover they are strong, smart and bold. Women's Fund is proud to fund Girls Inc. because they help us fulfill our mission to provide options and opportunities for women and girls.