[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2020)]
[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.

                                  _____
                                 

                          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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