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Girls Inc
Girls, Inc. of Monroe County is an after school and summer program designed specifically around the goal of empowering young female minds. Their mission is "Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold".
Location and Hours
Girls Inc of Monroe County 1108 W. Eighth St. Bloomington, IN 47404 812-336-7313
Center Hours
Office: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
After School: 2:30PM - 6:00PM
History
In 1973 Eleanor Long and Sharlene Loudermilk initiated community discussions on the pros and cons of organizing a local Girls Club. In the spring of that year two feasibility studies were conducted. Later that summer, a Board of Directors was formed and the Girls Club was incorporated. In 1974 a fund drive and support campaign began. Search for a facility was underway and soon a lease with the MCCSC for the old wing of Broadview School was signed. Staff was hired and doors were opened in April 22nd 1975. The organization became a member of Girls Clubs of America late in 1975 and a member of United Way in early 1976. The Girls Club Women’s Auxiliary, a fundraising and volunteer group, was formed in the spring of 1976.
In May 1981 the old wing of Broadview School was torn down and the club had to find a new facility. Many options were explored, but ultimately a decision was made to construct a new building. A fund drive was initiated and work began with the City of Bloomington Redevelopment Department to acquire property. Property at the corner of Eighth and Elm Streets was purchased. Construction began in October 1981 and was completed in February 1982. Mr. Norman Deckard volunteered his time during the project to oversee the construction of the building. The doors were opened on March 1, 1982.
Mr. Steve Ferguson volunteered to head up the capital fund drive with Board member Debbie Hudelson. The campaign was a success and was completed in July 1983. A total of approximately $102,000 was raised for construction of the original facility build on the corner of Eighth and Elm Streets.
By the late 1980s the Girls Club's after school attendance was an average of 60 girls per day. Facility expansion was needed. A $150,000 capital fund drive was launched in 1990 to build an additional 70’ x 110’ facility. Ground was broken in August 1992 and final touches for the occupancy permit completed on June 17, 1996.
In September 1990 the Girls Club changed their name to Girls Incorporated of Monroe County. Girls Incorporated of America mandated this change in order to remain an affiliate of the National organization. This name change was also a result of a lengthy legal battle with Boys Clubs of America commencing after they changed their name to Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Girls Incorporated is a member of Girls Incorporated of America, a national organization made up of over 135 affiliates in 34 states and in Canada. As a member of this organization, the center receives technical assistance, is provided nationally researched programming, accesses gender equity research and is afforded training opportunities. This assistance is easily accessed through toll free telephone numbers. The national office is located in New York City and the National Resource Center is in Indianapolis. The center is also a member of Girls Incorporated of America Region II. This region is made up of over twenty Girls Incorporated affiliates, stretching from Indiana to New Mexico. This organization voices concerns to the national organization, acts as a support group, holds an annual fall conference and offers training workshops. There is a cluster group of Girls Incorporated centers in Indiana. This cluster hosts (mostly) monthly Executive Director meetings.
