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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E204-E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF GIRLS INC.
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HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of
the 50th Anniversary of the non-profit organization Girls Inc. of
Greater Indianapolis, also known as Girls Inc. Indy. Stemming from the
national program
[[Page E205]]
Girls Inc., Girls Inc. Indy opened its doors in 1969. It has since
established programs in sixty-one different schools in the Indianapolis
area with a mission to empower all young women to be strong, smart, and
bold. The people of the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana are
grateful for Girls Inc. Indy, and it is my pleasure to congratulate the
organization in celebration of this special occasion.
In 1864, the national organization Girls Inc. was created in
Waterbury, Connecticut to aid girls and young women in their navigation
of society after the Civil War. The new organization dedicated itself
to creating a safe environment for young women to further their self-
confidence, independence, and education. Over time, Girls Inc. adapted
its programs to fit society's changing social climate while maintaining
its original values. In 1969, Girls Inc. reached Indianapolis. The
Girls Inc. Indy branch was established, rooted in the fundamental
values of the national organization but designed programs specific to
young women in the Indianapolis area. Historically girls in our country
have been excluded from opportunities due to gender, race, or socio-
economic status. Recognizing the detrimental effects that this has on
girls' self-confidence and mental health, Girls Inc. Indy fights to
provide young women with a safe place to grow in their own capacities
and be themselves.
This nonprofit organization is staffed by developmental professionals
as well as trained volunteers, all of whom serve as mentors for girls
in the program. Staff members are dedicated to providing girls with an
emotionally stable environment in which they foster educational,
professional, and personal growth. To embolden girls in their education
and career fields, Girls Inc. Indy holds a variety of science and STEM
initiatives, such as its Eureka! 5-year science program for middle
school girls and its Girls Inc. Day for the inner scientist in girls of
all ages. In preparing girls for their future endeavors, Girls Inc.
Indy encourages their members to cultivate leadership skills and a
streak of independence. It has adopted programs such as its Young Women
in Leadership classes and its economic literacy classes for high school
girls. However, because Girls Inc. Indy recognizes the irreplaceable
value of high self-esteem, the organization has created numerous
initiatives that focus on personal growth. Programs that discuss the
definition of beauty and the importance of conflict management and
empower young women as they embark on their journeys of self-discovery.
Girls Inc. Indy has served a wide variety of young women around
Indianapolis, welcoming all girls despite age, race, ethnicity, and
socio-economic background.
The impact of this organization on our girls is immeasurable. In 2017
alone, Girls Inc. Indy served 4,299 girls in its programs, reaching
across four different counties in the Indianapolis area. Many of these
girls participated in more than one program, totaling 8,106 program
enrollments.
For fifty years, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis has aided the
young women of the Indianapolis area in their development, facilitating
a healthy environment to allow girls to explore their personalities,
their communities, and their future careers. The challenges that young
women face are constantly evolving, but I am confident that Girls Inc.
Indy will continue to serve a pivotal role in their development for
another fifty years and more.
Annually, Girls Inc. Indy recognizes female leaders with the
Touchstone Award to those who have made astounding contributions to the
Indianapolis community, and have inspired all girls to be strong,
smart, and bold, enabling them to be confident in their abilities,
proud of who they are, and ready to take their place in the world. It
was my distinct honor to receive this prestigious award in 2008.
On this 50th Anniversary, I commend Girls Inc. Indy on its mission to
embolden girls and its success in its programs. I wish the
organization, its staff, volunteers and the girls it serves all the
best in its future endeavors.
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