Our History

Girls Incorporated of Durham is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to believe in themselves and reach their full potential. We inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart & Bold through advocacy, education and programs. With roots dating back to 1864 Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research based programs; tested in the field and delivered by trained facilitators. Celebrating 25 years in Durham and reaching thousands of girls through our award winning programming. Girls Inc. puts the tools for empowerment in girls' hands and encourages them to assume leadership roles, take healthy risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges.

Girls Incorporated of Durham began as a branch of the Big Sisters movement- and started a traditional Big Sister/Little Sister Matching Program in 1984 in Ajax and Pickering in response to a need identified by a group of local parents. With the assistance of the (then) Social Planning Council, and financial support from the United Way of Ajax-Pickering, Big Sisters Association of Ajax-Pickering was established.

Girls ages 6-16 were matched with carefully screened and chosen Mentor volunteers based on common interests, the experience of the volunteer and the needs of the particular girl or young woman. Since then thousands of girls have benefited from the unconditional support and friendship of a mentoring match made through our organization.

In 1988, the agency again responded to community needs by starting our Friends Program - a mentoring program for pregnant teens and young mothers. Young women were matched with experienced moms for support, guidance and parenting advice. This program was the first of its kind in Ontario and has been the model for similar programs elsewhere in the province.

In 2001 the agency began to offer a variety of workshops for girls and teens on relevant issues. Girls and mentors are well to attend workshops and also attend an annual street-proofing (abuse prevention) workshop. Teens attend the popular Teen Retreat Weekend where they participate in workshops, enjoy outdoor activities, Special events and activities are also held throughout the year.

Our local organization is truly volunteer-driven. Volunteers contribute at all levels of the organization as: board members, committee members, and bingo volunteers as well as assisting with group programs and activities.

In 2002, we began the most exciting phase in our history when we affiliated with another wonderful girls’ charity called Girls Incorporated. We officially changed our name to Girls Incorporated of Durham, reflecting our new affiliation and also signaling our intention to grow and to serve girls throughout the Durham Region.

In 2004, we received a grant from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to help make our dream a reality. In September of 2004, we launched our first satellite location, in partnership with YWCA Durham, for girls in south Oshawa with Girls Inc. Operation SMART (Science, Math and Relevant Technology). In October of that year we brought Girls Inc. Operation SMART to girls in north Pickering, in partnership with William Peake Cooperative Housing.

In 2005 Girls incorporated of Durham became the administrator of the federally funded Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), known in the community as Food '4' Thought. The Prenatal Nutrition Program is a community based initiative that aims to reduce the incidence of unhealthy birth weights, improve the health of both infant and mother and encourage breastfeeding. CPNP Drop-in Sites are operated in 10 sites throughout Durham Region. Each drop-in site provides a safe, friendly environment where women can obtain advice from health care providers and other moms, get materials on health and wellness, and receive fresh fruit and vegetables, milk and prenatal vitamins. This program is for pregnant women and new mothers below 26 years of age. Women may register at a site any time during their pregnancy and continue to receive support until their infants are 6 months of age. For more information and site locations see Pre & Post Natal Nutrition page.  

Girls Incorporated of Durham now boasts a variety of terrific programs and services that meet the unique needs of girls. We look forward to inspiring even more girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold with these excellent curriculum based programming!   

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What We Do

We are dedicated to helping the young women of our community to realize their full potential. We believe a "girls-only" environment is essential for achieving this goal.

Why? Research and experience show that in a pro-girl, all-girl setting:

Equity is more common;
Girls are encouraged to take positive risks;
Girls interact with more female role models;
Girls' needs and interests are served;
Girls are recognized for their achievements.

The result: girls' levels of self-confidence are boosted and they aspire to greater goals and achievements.

Girls Incorporated is thrilled to announce the launch of the Dear World public education campaign. Girls Inc. has been celebrating girls' voices since 1864. Join us in taking that commitment to a new level with the Dear World campaign.

We asked girls everywhere, "If you could send a message to the whole world about what it's like growing up as a girl today, what would you say?"
 
They spoke, wrote, shouted, laughed, whispered, and signed. They said:

"Sometimes us girls have to make hard decisions, like to be a leader and not a follower and never give up when things get hard."
- Jeleasa, age 13

"The only person I want to be is me!"
- Monique, age 8

"Being a girl in this world means to me that I have opportunities and I have choices."
- Elsie, age 12

More than 275 girls from Girls Inc. organizations across the United States and Canada lent their voices, wrote letters to the world, and took part in the Girls Inc. Dear World public education campaign.

Though each girl spoke of her unique loves, hates, goals, and fears, the message was undeniable: girls love being themselves, but they need all the support and empowerment you can offer.

Join Girls Inc. in honoring girls' voices. Help us ask the whole world to sit up, pay attention, and celebrate along with us. Here's what you can do:

• Get involved: watch the Dear World PSAs, read letters from girls, send your own Dear World letter, and more.
• Subscribe to the Girls Inc. YouTube Channel.
• Join the Girls Inc. cause on Facebook.
• Donate now to Girls Inc.
• Learn about Girls Inc. programs.
• Find a Girls Inc. near you.

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