History

National Girls Inc.

Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

The Girls Inc. movement started in New England during the Industrial Revolution as a response to the needs of a new working class: young women who had migrated from rural communities in search of newly available job opportunities in textile mills and factories.

Our National Headquarters is in New York City, and our training center is located in Indianapolis. Girls Inc. programs are offered through a network of more than 1,000 sites in over 300 cities in the United States and Canada.

Highlights in the Birmingham/Central Alabama Girls Inc. History

  • 1938 - Birmingham Girls Club founded to help young women moving to Birmingham
  • 1939 - Home opened on Southside with 3 girls in residence
  • 1945 - Frame house acquired in downtown Birmingham at 2213 6th Avenue North and
              started programs for girls 6 to 18
  • 1954 - United Way partnership began
  • 1961 - Programs expanded to include a Bessemer Center
  • 1986 - Revised mission to include Outreach
  • 1988 - Walker County summer program began
  • 1988 - Downtown Birmingham facilities sold to AmSouth
  • 1990 - Name changed to Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama and affiliation with
              National Girls Inc. began
  • 1991 - Moved to new center in Crestwood
  • 1993 - Held First Annual Celebration Luncheon fundraiser
  • 2001 - Instituted the Committee of 25 junior board
  • 2007 - Jasper City Schools collaboration began
  • 2009 - Bessemer City Schools collaboration began