Sioux Empire United Way - Agency Success Stories

“If I Can Do This, I Can Do Anything”
Agency: YWCA Program: Girls on the Run Service: A 12 week experiential learning program that combines training for a 5K with self-esteem enhancing and uplifting work outs (lessons). Need: Today, 41% of girls are afraid of being bullied; 6 in 10 girls are on a diet; and 34% of girls worry about unwanted sexual advances. 362 girls participated in the program in 2007. Impact: Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, and a healthier body image. These skills will impact their lives beyond the classroom and into the workplace, creating successful adults.	“Girls 0n the Run is so much fun!” The screams of 12 girls echo throughout the playground of a local elementary school. “Let’s give Molly a spirit cheer! Molly, which one do you want,” asks Jennifer with extra enthusiasm. Molly’s eyes close, her hands ball into little fists, until suddenly in what looks like an explosion she shouts, “I want a firecracker.” The other 11 girls giggle with a laughter that is nothing short of contagious. Jennifer moves Molly into the center of the circle and puts her hands on top of Molly’s head; she gestures the others to do the same. “Let’s do it,” she sings. “Ch-Ch-Ch-CH-Ch-CH- BOOOOOM- Wooooo,” the girls shout as they wiggle around and flail their hands above Molly’s head. Today Molly has done the impossible. She has run two laps around the track and jogged the whole time! But she has done more than complete two laps. Today’s Girls on the Run lesson taught her that no feeling is bad and how she can appropriately tell others how she is feeling. As we all know this is nothing short of a true victory in the 5th grade! Thanks to funding from Sioux Empire United Way to the YWCA, over 300 girls all over the Sioux Empire will be able to participate in Girls on the Run. These girls will receive the tools to make good decisions as well as build their self-esteem preparing them for a lifetime of success. The program gives confidence to girls like Molly, “If I can do this, I can do anything.”
Click here for a printable version of this story.