Created as part of our Guest Editor Series with Girl Coalition of Indiana (Girl Co.) and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.
Authenticity blooms when women and girls can exist in places without the pressure to perform, or the guardrails often needed to navigate the world. When women and girls have access to safe, emboldened, nurturing, and uplifting spaces, there is a greater chance for them to fully realize their genuine wants and needs. Throughout Indiana, several organizations offer safe, supportive environments where young girls and women can thrive. These organizations enable personal growth, connection, and healing through the development of leadership skills and the provision of mental health resources. Below is a roundup of a few programs offering just that—spaces for women and girls to be heard, upheld, and empowered as they navigate life.
GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL INDIANA
Girl Scouts of Central Indiana builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. As Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Experiences are designed so girls of all backgrounds and abilities embrace their true selves, discover their strengths and new skills, and rise to meet new challenges. Supported by dedicated adult volunteers, mentors, supporters, and a robust network of alumnae, Girl Scouts provides safe spaces where every girl can be unapologetically herself, find adventure, and give back to the community.
LEADING LADIES
Designed to expand academic and professional success, Leading Ladies is a mentorship organization that equips young women for life journeys by building their confidence. By actively networking and engaging in various opportunities, participants can develop their academic and professional skills, leading to a sense of independence and prosperity.
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
A Seat at the Table grounds itself in advocacy to help women and girls of color overcome mental health trauma. The “Sis, Exhale” program works hand in hand with community therapists, pooling resources and materials for maximum impact. From championing chemical-free feminine hygiene products to equipping girls in charter schools with The Safe Space 2.0, and addressing workplace racism and micro-aggressions, their goal is to create safe spaces that foster connectivity and community.
CENTERS OF WELLNESS FOR URBAN WOMEN
Centers of Wellness for Urban Women (CWUW) empowers women and their families by giving them the tools and knowledge to become active participants in their own healthcare decisions. CWUW has partnered with Women’s Fund of Central Indiana to create a Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC), catering to young women and gender-expansive individuals aged 18-24. The YWAC is learning about community action and developing a plan to target a critical challenge young women face in their community. CWUW’s Connection 4 Wellness program aims to enhance women’s mental health through stigma reduction and education on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness.
ARTHENTIC ARTS, INC.’S WOMEN IN ARTS PROGRAM
The organization seeks to advance the practices of local creatives and emerging artists through comprehensive support and community exposure. ARTs is a creative and collaborative hub, championing disadvantaged Black Artists and BIPOC-LGBTQ Artists. The Women in the Arts Program is designed to empower and uplift emerging women artists of color through mentorship, professional development, and a compassionate network.
EXODUS REFUGEE WOMEN’S PROGRAM
The Exodus Refugee Women’s Program dedicates itself to providing extensive assistance to refugee women, offering valuable resources such as language training and mental health counseling. Providing a nurturing environment for refugee women, this program enables them to develop new lives and resilient communities with dignity.
INNER BEAUTY
Through its efforts to help girls embrace their inner worth, Inner Beauty seeks to strengthen them and boost their self-esteem and confidence levels. By organizing workshops and events focused on body positivity, emotional wellness, and leadership development, the organization can encourage and uplift young girls.
SHEROES INC
SHEroes Inc. devotes itself to empowering girls through a variety of personal and professional development programs. These programs promote the growth of leadership abilities, resilience, and a passion for advocating for women’s rights. SHEroes Inc. leverages mentorship, networking, and community-building events to support women and help them succeed in all areas of life.
These organizations fully embraced the mission of creating secure and encouraging environments that foster the growth and invigoration of women and girls. Each organization’s uniqueness lies in its capacity to provide women and girls with a dedicated space where they can connect, learn, and achieve success.
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