History Summary
The Girls Club of Dallas, now known as Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, has a long history in Dallas. It was established in 1968 and first chaired by Jane Murchison and Evelyn Lambert. Since its inception, four campuses have been established throughout Dallas County as a result of collaboration with and funding from various local organizations, including: O.M. Roberts Elementary School (1983), the Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (1983), the Crystal Charity Ball (1993), and the State of Texas Criminal Justice Department grant (1999).
In 1975, Girls Club of Dallas became affiliated with Girls Club of America, a national agency that serves as an advocate for girls across the United States. In 1990, the national organization changed its name to Girls Incorporated, a name that implies that “growing up is serious business”. Shortly thereafter, the Dallas affiliate followed suit and also changed its name to Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas.
Girls Incorporated is at the heart of girls' lives and at the forefront of the girls' rights movement. Girls Inc. is the leading expert on the issues facing girls because girls' voices and diverse perspectives have always been the foundation of the organization's work. Today our acclaimed programming, original research, and compelling public education and advocacy campaigns continue to put girl's front and center.
The mission of Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas is to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart and BoldSM. Our vision is that all girls graduate from high school with personal effectiveness, academic and career planning competencies. Career planning competencies include college and other post secondary high school education.
Our four campuses are located in West Dallas, South Dallas, North Oak Cliff, and Love Field. They currently have the capacity to provide quality programs for 800 girls, ages 6-18, through after-school programming during the school year, and all day programming during the summer months.
Girl Inc. programs are innovative and have been carefully researched, tested and evaluated. Girls learn in a safe and fun atmosphere through comprehensive after-school and summer programs. Seven core areas enable girls to develop and excel: career and life planning, health and sexuality, leadership and community action, sports and adventure, self-reliance and life skills, culture and heritage and educational enhancement.
Girls Incorporated National has Girls Inc. Online which extends Girls Inc. research-based programming to girls everywhere in a safe, membership-based web community where members share and connect on message boards, meeting inspiring women, and participate in fun activities. Get more information and take a tour.
A History of Success
The effectiveness of the curriculum can be clearly seen through successful statistics and measurable results. Ten out of the last 11 years, 100% of girls in the program have remained pregnancy and drug free. Additionally, over the past ten years, 100% of senior girls in the program have graduated from high school as well as gone on to some form of higher education pursuits.
"Girls Inc. works because it makes girls feel special and important. It shows them that they are valuable contributors to society and that they can make a difference in the lives of others. Most importantly, it makes their goals and dreams possible."
Angela Haden,
Parent of a Girls Inc. Member