Girls Inc. St. Louis’ 8th Annual Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon

Girls Inc. of St. Louis held its 8th annual Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  This year’s event honored the Junior League of St. Louis, an organization comprised of strong, smart and bold women who have made significant contributions to Girls Incorporated and to the St. Louis region as a whole.

Girls Inc. of St. Louis has a rich and successful history of being the only organization that offers programming in an all girls environment. Girls Inc. of St. Louis was established in 1981 as the Girls Club of Soulard. In 1985, the club joined the Girls Inc.national organization.

At its peak, it was serving girls throughout St. Louis City from 3 centers. In recent years it has consolidated its center-based programs to a building purchased in 2004. At the time of this transaction, the strategy was expanding the programming through outreach and satellite locations.

Over the past several years, given changes in the economy and school systems, Girls Inc. has seen less activity with outreach and witnessed a decrease in its center based programs as well. The leadership of the organization has changed, and the board and new leadership are excited about charting a new and exciting direction for the organization.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Girls Incorporated of St. Louis involves inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold by providing educational, recreational, and cultural programs to girls in a safe environment to enable them to raise their aspirations and realize their potential.

The programming has focused on providing girls with the information, skills, strategies, and resources to help them make decisions, solve problems, meet their own needs and lead others. The activities offer the opportunity to experience success as they grow to understand their options, meet responsibilities and reach new heights.