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OUR HISTORY

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War. Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood, and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

LOCAL AFFILIATE HISTORY

We were incorporated in 1979 as Big Sisters Association of Leeds and Grenville. Following a merger between Big Sisters of Canada, Big Brothers of Canada and Big Sisters Association of Ontario our organization made a decision to continue providing gender specific programming under the Girls Incorporated umbrella. Our membership and Board of Directors chose Girls Incorporated because of its close fit in philosophy, programs, and mission.

As a Girls Inc. member organization, we remain committed to being the community leader of girls’ services through quality group programs and mentoring. We look for ongoing opportunities to reach girls in every community. We are pleased that United Way has provided continual funding to help support Big Sisters and now Girls Inc. since 1980.

Girls Inc. Bill of rights

Although the times and programs have changed, Girls Inc. always has been, and always will be, all about the girls. With a continued commitment and dedication to making a measurable and lasting difference, Girls Inc. is a strong advocate for girls and honours the Girls Inc. Girls Bill of Rights. View Bill of Rights PDF

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Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist stereotypes.

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Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.

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Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.

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Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.

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Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.

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Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

I struggled internally for a long time, but through Girls Inc. I learned that my body is a resource, not an object. I began to love and embrace my body.

Briseida