Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County was recently honored for its advocacy efforts for girls and families in the community before and throughout the pandemic.
The recognition took place at the virtual Girls Inc. National Conference.
The advocacy recognition was given to affiliates like Owensboro for continuous and compassionate service to the girls, as the local Girls Inc. never closed its doors to members’ needs throughout the pandemic.
Families were served in many ways, including through virtual programming, on-site program services and at-home activities to support mental and physical health, provide family resources and help build resiliency. Also considered was the advocacy work to ensure vulnerable neighborhoods received and filled out Census forms, the continuation of the #GirlsToo movement, and all the social media themed advocacy work on behalf of girls and racial and social justice.
The efforts of the ATHENA awards luncheon with its focus on women and girls and the virtual Red on the River Remix with its focus on equity and equality also played a role in the recognition.
“We were humbled to receive the recognition and we certainly celebrate the acknowledgement of our efforts, yet we know that some needs have changed from the beginning of the pandemic, and it is time to step up again in new ways,” said Chief Executive Officer Tish Correa Osborne. “The full-day Learning Academy has now been opened to assist girls, schools and the community at large with academic support.”
The Learning Academy has been open from 7:30 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. every day. The afterschool program opens to members and continues until 5:30 p.m.
“We know how much of a struggle it has been for families and the business community, Girls Inc. is honored to be a part of the solution,” Correa Osborne said.
Anyone looking to invest in the girls has an opportunity to do so through the Golfers for Girls Inc. Golf Scramble sponsored by Independence Bank and Domtar. After being rescheduled multiple times, the 2020 Scramble will take place this Friday at the Owensboro Country Club.
Girls Inc. is still accepting teams, a few title sponsorships, hole sponsorships and donations of auction items.
“People are ready to get out and play and have been so good about showing their support,” said Missy Gant, co-chair of the event. “When you support Girls Inc., you are telling a girl that she has someone in her corner who believes in her strengths and abilities.”
Organizers said that while some people have chosen to give in different ways to organizations throughout the pandemic, this event gives people a chance to physically participate and get their name out whether personally or through their business, all while assisting Girls Inc. position itself to be even stronger in 2020 and beyond.
For more detailed information on how to give or participate in the golf scramble, call 270-684-7833 or email staff@girlsincowenboro.org.
Ryan Richardson, Owensboro Times