December 1st, 2015

Here at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama our programs are built around one theme:
Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart & bold.

Our programs are creating positive results all throughout Birmingham. Read the following story to grasp a young woman's firsthand experience at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama.

Thank you for any support you can offer.

Desiree McHellon 
Girls Inc. alum & scholarship winner

When I joined Girls Inc., I desperately needed a friend. I was nine. We'd moved to a new state, which seemed like a whole world away from all my friends and everything I knew. I already knew that I was different - I am dyslexic. My new school was just for kids with learning disabilities. I understood that I needed to be there. But, not only was I the only girl in the entire elementary school, I was also the only African American girl. From day one, I was bullied mercilessly. The boys never missed an opportunity to remind me that they were in charge and that I was smaller and slower. Just a dumb little girl. They spoke over me in class and pushed me around on the playground.

So when my Dad told me I was going to Girls Inc. after school, I was not excited. Just another place I didn't belong. I was so wrong. Girls Inc. quickly became a safe place for me. Girls Inc. gave me the desire to succeed in school and in many ways helped me to work through my hurdles with dyslexia.

Everything at Girls Inc. was focused on girls and women and our success. I learned about women who look like me and who are making a difference in science, civil rights, and entrepreneurship. Their pictures were on the walls. I began to see that girls, and girls of color, could be powerful. I realized I had a voice and a responsibility to share it.

Because of Girls Inc. and donors like you, I was able to experience life-changing programs that enabled me to see my dreams and reach my full potential. Would you consider investing in Girls Inc., to ensure more girls have the guidance and programs needed to succeed? With your continued investment, more girls like me will find their paths, know the steps to get there and grow up healthy, educated and independent.

Today, as a Girls Inc. scholarship recipient, I am a second year student at Auburn University in Montgomery, majoring in psychology. Without your support I would not be achieving all my goals. On behalf of all Girls Inc. girls and alumnae, thank you in advance for your commitment.