By Alexandra Fradelizio | m/Oppenheim Media Writer
According to a national report lead by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, 7 in 10 girls believe they fail to “measure up in some way,” a state of mind that impacts how they view themselves and others.
Girls Inc. of Alameda County is changing the ways in which girls regard themselves by providing resources to help them succeed in all aspects of their lives.
“We are working with the whole girl, not just with one aspect of her,” explained Chief Executive Officer Julayne Virgil.
By catering to girls throughout their childhood and teenage years, the organization aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to the fabric of their communities.
In particular, a major component of the fabric of Girls Inc. of Alameda County resides in the education of its participants. All graduating seniors from the organization attend college, and a vast majority of the girls are the first in their families to become students of higher education. Overall, the organization emphasizes the importance of education as a main factor in building and strengthening self-esteem within girls.
“Literacy is a huge component to how girls feel confident,” explained Virgil.
“A child who is not reading at grade level will have trouble keeping up in the classroom and will make reading difficult in other subjects, including science and math.”
The organization offers access to educational services primarily through after-school programs, and girls from more than 50 schools participate in activities held at the Girls Inc. of Alameda County center in downtown Oakland. While the programs are funded by individual donors as well as government and corporate grants, the organization offers free services to all participants who are under-resourced.
“We made a conscious decision not to charge fees to girls and their families,” explained Virgil.
“We do not want to be another barrier.”
In addition to providing educational resources, Girls Inc. of Alameda County grants services that focus on both the physical and mental well-being of their participants. These programs give way to safe environments where the girls can connect with their peers and ultimately pursue their personal goals through building their identities.
“We think about how a girl feels about herself,” said Virgil.
“Having a space where they are free to express themselves and their interests is phenomenal and life-changing for them.”
Through creating this safe space, Virgil explains the girls develop the necessary tools that will allow them to overcome any doubts or fears they may face in their futures.
“It’s really important that we push the girls out of their comfort zone all the time, whether they are speaking in front of people or trying out a new sport. We want them to develop a growth mindset where they are comfortable being on the edge of their comfort zone in order to accomplish something bigger than one’s self.”
In order to provide further support for the girls, Girls Inc. of Alameda County developed a mentor program in which alumni from the program return to guide the girls. Calling the mentor relationship a “powerful experience,” Virgil emphasized the benefits the girls receive from speaking with those who have faced similar experiences.
“The girls go through experiences that often make them feel isolated and ashamed, but having a mentor makes them feel like they are part of a larger community. It is important for them to have people that they can relate to.”
In response to recent government changes, Virgil remains confident the organization will continue to guide girls as they fulfill their dreams and impact the lives of their families and communities.
“Our girls are the future and will begin to make the change that we hope to see in the world. We know what’s possible when you give a girl the resources and tools to see how far she can go.”
To learn more about Girls Inc. of Alameda County, visit their website: http://www.girlsinc-alameda.org/