Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.
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 the Island City HISTORY
In April 1964, a group of concerned citizens founded a program for girls and incorporated it as Alameda Girls’ Club. The doors officially opened October 28, 1964. Since then, there have been many milestones to celebrate.
Here are some of the highlights:
1964-1973, A Place to Call Their Own
At the time, there were no opportunities for girls in Alameda similar to those offered to boys. The Girls’ Club responded to this need, fostering the character development of all girls through a program of educational, vocational, health, social, and recreational activities. Read more.
1974-1983, Preparing Girls for Bold Futures
In response to the powerful challenges of the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the flood of women entering the workforce, and the adolescent turbulence of the time, activities changed to prepare girls for very different adulthoods. Read more.
1984-1993, Going Places
For the first time, groundbreaking, research-based National programs were implemented to ensure that the organization was the best equipped to address girls’ issues. Read more.
1994-2003, Best Foot Forward
In addition to innovative programs, Girls Inc. provided girls with new opportunities to grow and gave them the tools they needed to avoid or overcome obstacles to their success. Read more.
2004-Present, Positioned for the Future
As we look to the next 50 years and beyond, our goal is to make sure that every girl in Alameda has access to our enriching programming and support services. Read more.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 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 millions of girls across the United States and Canada.
Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.