Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.
Our Mission
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Our Vision
Powerful girls in an equitable society.
Our Values
Respect the dignity of each human being.
Recognize and support the strength in every girl.
Appreciate, embrace, and advance diversity.
Drive for results anchored in accountability.
Operate collaboratively.
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.
Girls Inc. of Johnson County’s affiliate history.
For 85 years Girls Inc. of Johnson County has empowered girls to succeed and overcome challenges. We equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Girls build confidence and embrace positive decision-making to take charge of their health and well-being and achieve academic, personal, and career goals.
In 2014, Girls Inc. of Johnson County launched Phase I of a capital campaign to serve more girls and to fund an urgently needed renovation and expansion of our current center. Phase I resulted in the installation of a handicap-accessible restroom. Our center, a Victorian home located on East Madison Street in the heart of Franklin, was built in 1875. Because it is outdated and now far too small for the growth of our membership we are asking friends and supporters to join us as “Champions” and make a gift toward Phase II of our project to raise $48,725 toward interior and exterior renovations to include a new attic storage room, HVAC and 2nd floor, porch roof and gutter repairs, basement renovation for program space, new signage, and painting and cleaning the exterior of our center.
Your gift will make a lasting impact for generations to come. The girls we serve are our future mothers, teachers, business owners, and civic leaders of the Johnson County community.
For 85 years, Girls Inc. of Johnson County has been evolving with girls.
Girls Inc. of Johnson County has played a significant role in changing the lives of girls in our community for 85 years. We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future. Our philosophy is to empower the whole girl by providing innovative programs and strong mentorships in an inclusive environment.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 85 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Girls Inc. has served hundreds of girls across Johnson County.
In 2023 alone, our center provided after-school, summer camp, and outreach programs to 588 youth. These youth served were able to participate in dynamic, research-based programs focused on STEM, literacy, financial literacy/entrepreneurship, physical fitness, nutrition, anti-bullying, healthy relationship building, self-esteem building, combating peer pressure, drug abuse prevention, and stress management skills.
