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PINELLAS PARK: Girls Incorporated of Pinellas has been named as a recipient of the prestigious 2008 Family Strengthening Award sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The awards include a contribution of $10,000 and are presented annually to three Girls Inc affiliates throughout the country in recognition of their exemplary work that strengthens families in ways that build the confidence and skills of their girls.
“The mission of Girls Incorporated of Pinellas is to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold,” said Executive Director Renee McInnis, “and we know that girls do well when their families do well.“ Girls Inc received the award for their Favoring Our Families program which provides advocacy for families and opportunities for them to increase their knowledge about economic self-sufficiency and community resources. Favoring Our Families also provides many family-friendly activities at Girls Inc, such as barbeques for 300+ people, communally building a float for the Santa Parade, and workshops for parents and daughters together.
“We know that families in our community can face many challenges, and Girls Inc serves as a caring link connecting girls and their families with other resources,” said McInnis. “Community partners play an important part in strengthening support for families. In 2007 Girls Inc partnered with Kiwanis and First Unity Church to provide fully loaded backpacks for 100 girls in a Back to School Day. This year we are broadening that with sponsorship from ITT Technical Institute and other community partners for a Back to School Bash & Resource Fair. Our Pinellas Park Kiwanis has led the renovation of our library, and has involved other Kiwanis branches as well. The Pinellas Park Rotary sponsored a Fun & Fitness Day for our girls, all of which helps to strengthen families. We also are a community site for Florida’s KidCare insurance. And of course we are very grateful to the United Way of Tampa Bay for their generous support in providing scholarships for summer camp, financial literacy classes and tuition subsidies. Their help makes the difference for many families, helping them move from getting by to getting ahead.”
This fall, Girls Inc hopes to expand Favoring Our Families by adding a year-long series of “We Made That!” artistic workshops for parents and their daughters. The series will include pottery, scrap-booking, ceramics, mosaics, jewelry-making, and quilting, culminating in displays throughout the community.
Girls Inc. provides girls empowerment programs during summer day camp and in innovative school year programs. For more information call (727) 544-6230 x117 or go online at www.girlsinc-pinellas.org.
Girls Incorporated of Pinellas
7700 61st St
Pinellas Park, FL
(727) 544-6230
Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold
NEWS RELEASE
June 27, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee McInnis
727-544-6230 x117 |
