Girls Inc. Dallas is acutely aware of the impact the past year has had on low-income communities. Financial struggles, stressful family situations, and academic loss has only been exacerbated by the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff understands that the new problems created by COVID-19 require new solutions. That’s why we have developed a variety of new programs to meet girls’ needs during this unique time. This January, Girls Inc. hosted programming like a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp and a virtual book club, providing girls with safe spaces to develop skills and build community.

At our January 16th “Be the Light” MLK Day Camp, girls explored topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion by learning about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They discussed challenges in their communities related to COVID-19 and examined possible solutions. They also defined activism by creating a community action plan and writing a letter of thanks to an essential worker.

Valeria Pernia, Love Field Campus Manager at Girls Inc., explained the value of teaching girls about the Civil Rights Movement. “It’s important for girls to learn about MLK and the Civil Rights Movement at an early age because the strategies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wouldn’t have been possible without the women and girls who supported his dream,” she said. “At our ‘Be the Light’ Camp, the girls learned that, no matter how young they are, they can make a change.”

Girls Inc. Dallas also hosted a virtual book club this January, equipping girls with reading comprehension and critical thinking skills in preparation for the spring semester. Through virtual meetings, girls built literacy skills and made new friends while participating in fun, interactive discussions and activities centered around girl-themed books.

Additionally, Girls Inc. is once again offering virtual homework help to girls struggling with online school. In this program, girls receive one-on-one help with schoolwork, even when they can’t come to a Girls Inc. campus. Girls meet regularly with volunteers over Zoom to work through math problems, get help on science or English assignments, or talk out study strategies. To volunteer as a homework helper, click here!