Pinellas Park, FL (January 18, 2021) – Girls Inc. of Pinellas, the leading non-profit that inspires and benefits 500 girls annually through services designed to teach all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, received a generous $85,000 in grant funding from the Schoen Foundation.

This grant would have a weighty impact on the organization’s ability to continue to offer its services at any time; but, in this climate the value of this grant is truly magnified. The impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit community has been unprecedented. It has affected the capacity and sustainability of every nonprofit—from education to the environment, affordable housing to mental health services, animal welfare to the arts—very few organizations have emerged unscathed.

“Today, as we travel through these unprecedented times of a global pandemic and begin to understand the many ways it has impacted the children and families we serve, we are compelled to do our part in helping to provide the support that is needed. To that end we are working diligently to raise funds to provide comprehensive quality afterschool programming and summer camps free of charge for girls of frontline workers, military families and others impacted by the COVID19 crisis.” explained Darla Otey, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Pinellas.

The $85,000 investment will support the Girls Inc scholarship program, and a variety of direct service and advocacy initiatives designed to develop the whole girl from childhood into adulthood, equipping them to navigate the unique gender, social, and economic barriers that invariably inhibit the innate potential of each girl.

This tremendous support will allow Girls Inc. of Pinellas to provide the skills imperative for success, the positive feedback and mentoring necessary to thrive, and a safe environment that is critical to encourage learning and growth through mistakes and challenges. Our programs will forge ahead and grow while breaking negative cycles, providing young girls with the critical programming and meaningful relationships that inspire them to believe in themselves and succeed.

Each year, Girls Inc provides a STEAM-focused all-day summer camp for girls in Kindergarten through 12^th grade.  We also offer after school programming for girls in Pinellas county schools that includes pick up within a 5-7 mile radius of our site in Pinellas Park.

Kathryn Schoen, a Director of the Schoen Foundation proclaimed, “We couldn’t be prouder or more pleased to support this fine organization. Girl’s Inc. of Pinellas is a shining example of what it means to live and work passionately with a purpose! Their research-based programs and mentoring make a palpable, positive, and lasting difference in the lives of so many young women. We fully embrace their mission and we have no doubt they will exceed every expectation they’ve set for themselves.”

Girls Inc. of Pinellas’s programming – in partnership with local schools and organizations – focuses on the development of the whole girl. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty, and become role models in their community. Mission: Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart & bold.