By Susan Koenig
GIRLS INCORPORATED OF PINELLAS
Girls Inc. is a national organization whose mission is to “inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.” Unlike other childcare agencies, it is dedicated to the affirmation of a pro-girl environment focusing on the empowerment of girls, ages 5-15, to learn to appreciate their whole selves, discovering their strengths, developing their individual skills, and to help girls today become the leaders of tomorrow.
Girls Inc. Pinellas, opened in 1961 and is located on a quiet street in Pinellas Park, housed in a recently renovated one-story building, colorfully painted and well-equipped for classroom spaces, including an outdoor playground. There are science, photography and computer labs, a large kitchen, and a gym.
Darla Otey, the gracious and energetic director, is passionate about the school’s driving forces – celebrating each individual while creating long-lasting mentoring relationships in a pro-girl environment, using research-based programming to equip girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, to navigate gender, economic, educational, and social barriers, and grow into healthy, educated and independent adults.
The agency provides academic support, healthy living, and life skills to approximately 400 girls every year through three programs: the After School Enrichment, Operation SMART Summer Camp and Operation SMART Spring Break Camp.
Most recruiting is done via word of mouth from the girls themselves. The Pinellas group currently has three administrators and five on the facilitation team. In the summer they hire extra staff for the 100-150 girls who enroll. This year the summer camp will be free of charge for everyone.
Otey proudly explains that discipline problems are rare because the girls want to be in the programs. They mentor and encourage each other’s endeavors, and the rules of behavior, strictly adhered to, are simple – show compassion and respect, and put cell phones aside while in attendance.
The Board of Directors, “critical to our success,” says Otey, runs all the fundraisers. The most significant one, held annually in the spring and attended by hundreds of charitable-minded adults, provides most of the annual funding for the organization’s programs.
Please join Girls, Inc. for their Fuel Her Fire annual fundraiser is May 12 at 6pm. The event is held at Clearwater’s Opal Sands Resort, and features a gourmet buffet. $200/ticket www.girlsinc-pinellas.org