When Shamari first arrived at Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix-Russell last summer, her grandmother, Shalonda, shared a concern with staff. Shamari sometimes struggled to make friends and was hesitant to join group activities or sports. Instead of jumping into games and fitness activities at the Baker Center, she often stayed on the sidelines.

Her snack and lunch habits reflected the same hesitation. Shamari usually chose chips, candy, or soda. At that point, building confidence in healthy routines and physical activity was still a work in progress.

A Mentor Who Saw Her Potential

Coach Marko, the fifth grade facilitator and leader of the Girls Inc. Fitness Club, began working with Shamari through the organization’s Mind & Body curriculum. The program focuses on youth fitness, wellness, and healthy decision making.

From the start, Coach Marko focused on encouragement. He invited Shamari to participate in activities and eventually encouraged her to try out for the soccer team.

Along the way, he helped her understand how everyday choices could affect how she felt and performed. As Shamari began replacing soda with water and candy with fruit, she started noticing a difference in her energy and confidence.

Coach Marko says that moment changed everything.

“Once Shamari understood the importance of exercising and healthier snacks, she became unstoppable.”

Progress You Can Measure

Girls Inc. tracks physical development through FitnessGram, a youth fitness assessment that measures endurance, strength, and flexibility. Over time, Shamari’s results showed clear improvement.

She doubled the number of push ups she could complete. Her sit ups improved. Her aerobic endurance increased significantly.

These numbers represent more than physical progress. They show the growth of a young person who began to challenge herself and push past her comfort zone.

More Than a Fitness Transformation

Today, Shamari looks very different from the quiet student who first walked into the Baker Center.

She is now a proud member of the Girls Inc. soccer team and regularly chooses healthier snacks and drinks. She also continues to explore new opportunities. She has already begun talking with Coach Woods about joining basketball after soccer season ends.

Just as important, Shamari is connecting with other girls and participating more confidently in group activities.

Supporting Girls as They Grow

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley invests in programs like Girls Inc. because health and well-being are essential for children to learn, grow, and succeed.

Through mentorship, physical activity, and wellness education, Shamari found encouragement to make healthier choices and build confidence in herself. What began as small changes in daily habits led to greater participation, stronger friendships, and a new willingness to try things she once avoided.

Stories like Shamari’s reflect the broader goal of United Way’s Healthy Community impact area. We work with local partners to help children and families access the resources they need to live healthier lives, from nutritious food and health education to safe spaces where young people can stay active and supported.

By investing in programs that strengthen both physical and emotional well-being, United Way helps create a community where children have the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and ready to succeed.

How You Can Support Local Youth

Volunteer: Share your time and talents with youth programs in our community.
Advocate: Help spread awareness about programs that support young people.
Give: Donations to United Way help fund partner organizations like Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix-Russell.