Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.
Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
For nearly 60 years, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas has been evolving with girls.
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas was established as Girls Club of Dallas in 1968 by a group of civic-minded women in response to the needs of low-income, inner-city girls in the community. In 1969, the first center opened in West Dallas. Since then, we have provided high quality afterschool, summer, and partner-based programs for girls, from low-opportunity communities in Metropolitan Dallas. We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas is part of a federated network of 75 affiliates across the nation. The national Girls Inc. organization provides training, marketing, and advocacy support to its affiliates. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas has served thousands of girls across Dallas for nearly 60 years.
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas is financially independent, and all dollars raised support our local operations and inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.