Inclusive Youth Programs Create Space for Every Girl to Shine
When Avery joined Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell, she brought curiosity, determination, and a love of learning. Like many girls, she wanted to make friends, participate in activities, and simply feel like she belonged.
As a girl who uses a wheelchair, however, everyday activities sometimes required additional support. Rather than asking Avery to adapt to the program, Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell adapted the program to ensure she could participate alongside her peers.
As a funded Community Investment partner of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Girls Inc. is committed to creating opportunities where every girl can learn, grow, and lead. Staff thoughtfully incorporated accessible activity spaces, adaptive learning tools, peer support, and inclusive programming so Avery could fully engage in everything from creative projects to physical activities.
Just as importantly, they fostered a culture where differences were respected and every girl was encouraged to support one another.
Inclusion Helps Everyone Grow
Today, Avery participates with greater confidence, shares her ideas more freely, and has formed meaningful friendships through Girls Inc.
Her story reflects something larger than one child’s experience. By intentionally creating an inclusive environment, Girls Inc. helped build empathy, leadership, and understanding among all of the girls in the program.
As the organization shared: “When communities remove barriers and build support around each girl’s unique strengths and needs, every girl can truly thrive.”
Over time, what stood out wasn’t the adaptive equipment or modified activities. It was seeing Avery laugh with friends, join conversations, and participate with the same excitement as every other girl in the room.
Strong Communities Are Built Together
Behind every impact story is a network of people and organizations working together to create lasting change.
As a funded Community Investment partner, Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell equips girls with the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to be Strong, Smart, and Bold through evidence-based programs that support academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and life skills.
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley invests in trusted nonprofit partners with proven results because lasting change happens when we strengthen the organizations already making a difference every day.
When you support United Way, your investment stays local, helping ensure girls across the Chattahoochee Valley have opportunities to build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential.
