http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/rss/newsXML.phpNews XML Feedhttp://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=24http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=24For 21 years, Girls Inc. of Monroe County has been celebrating an outstanding woman and man of our community. It is the members of Girls Inc. who determined the qualities deserving of these awards. According to the girls themselves, the recipient should: “be kind, nice, and helpful, be an advocate for girls and stand up for what s/he believes in.” This year, Girls Inc. has two recipients who exemplify these qualities: Stephanie Solomon and Jack Harlow. Stephanie Solomon Stephanie Solomon demonstrates the values of strong, smart, and bold leadership in our community.Throughout her post-college career, she has dedicated her passions and ambitions toward bettering the Bloomington community in a variety of ways. Her work experience has ranged from working as a staff member with Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, to daycare provider at the Rise, to acting as volunteer coordinator at Hoosier Hills Food Bank, and, most recently, as assistant director of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.Her passions for advocacy of those less fortunate, as well as her commitment to the concepts of food justice and environmentalism, are demonstrated on a daily basis through her actions. Her optimism and positive energy are infectious and genuine.Her nominator said, “For the past several years, she has continuously worked with young women, inspiring them to invest in reaching out to others, as well as providing them with valuable educational experience.Through her career, she has informed young women about important issues that affect the Bloomington community and has helped them gain appreciation of their own abilities to contribute and give back, whether it be through volunteer work or through community gardening and sustainability.As a caregiver at the Rise, her kind and loving nature provided young girls with stability and positive reinforcement in an otherwise transitional, often trying environment. Her appreciation for young people and her ability to connect with them has always been one of her exceptional characteristics. She is a beacon for young women who wish to commit themselves to public service, and she is a role model, proving to girls everywhere that they, too, can be invaluable assets to their communities.”Jack Harlow The 2010 Man of the Year was awarded to a man who is an extraordinary addition to our community.Jack Harlow is one of three men who founded Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana in Bloomington in 1973 and has put himself at the center of social justice issues in the community as a now-retired corrections officer.He has a belief in creating opportunity for all people to be strong, smart and bold. As a member of the Domestic Violence Task Force, he has been an advocate on behalf of women and their children who have been the victims of domestic violence.He is a tireless advocate for girls, young women and all women in the community. As a member of the Fraternal Order of Police No. 88, he has helped provide a joyful holiday for underprivileged children in the Monroe county area through Shop with a Cop. Without this program, these children may not have positive holiday experiences to share. The program also provides a positive setting for children to interact with law enforcement officers.His nominator said of him, “He is an extreme advocate for girls — besides thousands of Little Sisters that have come through our agency for the past 37 years, there is no better grandfather in the world! He believes in true commitment — he knows the impact that mentors can have — on a child, and on the community.”We at Girls Inc. are eternally grateful to Stephanie and Jack for their ongoing support.http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=15http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=15In honor of the 35th anniversary of Girls Incorporated of Monroe County, Mayor Mark Kruzan declared November 4, 2010 as "Girls Inc. Day" in Bloomington, Indiana. The Proclamation(pdf) was read and then presented to Lee Ann Jourdan, Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of Monroe County, during an anniversary celebration held at the Indiana University Foundation.PROCLAMATIONWHEREAS, Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women to reach their full potential and understand, value and assert their rights; andWHEREAS, founded in New England during the Industrial Revolution, the Girls Inc. movement has responded to the changing needs of girls and their communities through research-based programs and ongoing advocacy efforts; and WHEREAS, Girls Inc. programs help build self-esteem in girls and young women, while giving them the skills and tools they need to achieve their goals; andWHEREAS, Girls Inc. believes all girls deserve the attention and dedication of a wide range of individuals and organizations to promote their healthy development; and WHEREAS, participants in the Girls Inc. program are encouraged to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges; andWHEREAS, popular programs include math and science education, sports, adolescent health, media literacy, drug abuse prevention, economic fundamentals, and violence prevention; andWHEREAS, the Monroe County chapter of Girls Inc. was started in 1975 and continues to be a vital and influential part of our community; and WHEREAS, Girls Inc. of Monroe County inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold; andWHEREAS, for more than three decades, Girls Inc. of Monroe County has helped thousands of girls and young women on their way to adulthood, instilling in each of them the knowledge that they are truly special and the confidence to achieve their dreams. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Kruzan, Mayor of the City of Bloomington, do hereby proclaim November 4, 2010, asGirls Inc. Dayin Bloomington, Indiana. Congratulations on 35 years of extraordinary guidance and commitment to the girls and young women in our community. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed, the Seal of the City of Bloomington this 3rd day of November 2010. ___________________________________Mark Kruzan, Mayor City of Bloomington http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=38http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=38Girl of the Year to be AnnouncedGirls Inc. invites the community to our Annual Meeting, Wednesday, March 21 at 6:00pm at the Girls Inc. center.We want to thank you for your support show you how your support inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.sm At the annual meeting, we will award a member with the Girl of the Year title and plaque. Members who are considered for the award:Participate in programs and activities;Possess a positive attitude;Are a role model for other members;Show leadership and respect to staff and peers by listening, using “put ups” not “put downs,” and being kind to others. You will also have a chance to meet staff, board, and volunteers that make the programs happen at the annual meeting. Snacks will be provided.Please RSVP to Lee Ann by email or call 812-336-7313.Girls Inc. has been in Monroe County for 36 years inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.sm http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=35http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=35At the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Girls Inc. of Monroe County honored Richie Field and Debbie Berryhill, for their years of service to GIMC.  Richie has been involved with Girls Inc. since 2003.  He helped and continues to help bring Girls Inc. into today’s world through IT!  By installing a server, linking our buildings, and maintaining and updating our machines, he has made work more efficient and staff transitions smoother!  Plus, he has worked with his employer to acquire donations for Girls Inc.  He is only a phone call away, and we appreciate his willingness to continue to volunteer in this capacity.As the Office Manager since 2006, Debbie serves as bookkeeper for all accounts of the organization, maintaining financial records, generating financial reports, working with the auditors, and maintaining central records on payroll, among other responsibilities!  She is so much more than her job description and is the true glue that holds us together – she brings in surprises for the staff, decorates and makes the office pleasant to work in, and has a great sense of humor!Both were honored with a certificate and a pin.  Thank you to both Richie and Debbie!http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=34http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=34Each year, Girls Incorporated of Monroe County celebrates an outstanding woman and man of our community. It is the members of Girls Inc. who determined the qualities deserving of these awards. According to the girls themselves, the recipient should: “be kind, nice, and helpful, be an advocate for girls and stand up for what s/he believes in.” This year, Girls Inc. has two recipients who exemplify these qualities: Dellsie Boddie and Ron Remak.Mrs. Boddie demonstrates the values of strong, smart, and bold and has contributed to the Bloomington community in multiple ways. She started a local step team for the young people in the community through her non-profit organization Cry of the Children, and she holds an annual Cry of the Children Thanksgiving dinner that is open to the entire community. She is a true advocate for girls. She is a support system in conjunction with their family support system, and she encourages them to reach their ultimate life goals by pursuing their education. If they are struggling with their schooling, she has found them tutors and teaches them life skills that they can use at school as well as once they are independent. Her nominator said, “Initially when the step team started, the athletic department was not backing the girls or the team. The athletic department felt as if they needed to join the Cheerleading or Pom Squad. Some of these young ladies had attempted multiple times for these alternate teams, and were never chosen and wanted something that they could give back to the school. She took a stand for these young ladies and they were eventually allowed to perform at multiple half times for the boys’ basketball team and were well received by their fans and their classmates. She leads by letting the girls know that a failure is only a failure if you never try.” What a good role model to lead by example and stand up for what you believe in!The 2011 Man of the Year was awarded to Mr. Remak, a man who is an extraordinary addition to our community. He contributes to the community every day. He defines the word “mentor” and “role model” by his words and actions. He has spent numerous years coaching young people, and has an undying motivational factor that is second to none. The relationship between a great coach and the athlete provides not only education of the sport, but building life skills that students can take past the classroom. Many see him in this capacity, whether they have played for him or not. His nominator said of him, “to meet him is to meet a friend. And while it is true the word “mentor” can be interpreted to mean something different to every person, there are undoubtedly endless reasons why so many people call him a mentor. “He is truly engaged and involved – it is not uncommon to see him giving high fives, pumping his chest, clapping like he is leading his own pep-session. To some it looks crazy – to others, it means so much to have that cheerleader – sometimes, it is the only one in their lives! “He encourages all to be the best they can be. He is one of a kind. He truly defines what is good in man.” We at Girls Inc. are eternally grateful to Dellsie and Ron for their ongoing support.   These two recipients are in great company as below is a list of previous years’ recipients.GIRLS INCORPORATED OF MONROE COUNTY “Woman of the Year” recipients “Man of the Year” recipients:2010 Stephanie Solomon and Jack Harlow2009 Lara Weaver and  Father Charlie DuPree2008 Peg Stice and Monty Simonton2007 Lee Ann Jourdan and Mark Kruzan2006 Toby Strout and Brad Wilhelm2005 Regina Moore and Steve Ruiz2004 Liz Kirkland and Henry “Mike” Ketcham2003 Jill Jolliff and Mike Griffin2002 Becky Wann and Mark Voland2001 2000 Cynthia Schrodt1999 19981997 Kate Kroll and William Eggleston 1996 Cecelia Wahl and  Herbert Ferree1995 Cathy Greene and Dan Callahan 1994 Mary Oliver (deceased) and Barry Lessow1993 David Duffee 1992 1991 Virginia Bowen DixonAdditional Winners (but exact year is unknown):Jean Burgess, Benny Koch, Jane Butcher, Kris Laughlin, Debbie Coonrod, Eleanor Long (deceased), Carol Darling, Dorothy Schrodt, Clara Hittle, Diane Stephenson, Dorothy Johnson, Judy Talley, Charlotte Zietlowhttp://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=37http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=37 Looking for the coolest summer internship around? Do you love working with kids and enjoy spending time outside? Want an internship where you get to flex your creative muscles and design your own program? Are you ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? Can you inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold? If you answered yes to these questions, then Girls Inc. Camp Red Fox is the place for you! Join us for 10 magical and memorable day camp sessions. You’ll lead campers through a variety of traditional camp programs like arts, nature, sports, swimming, and theme-week activities. And don’t forget the outrageous field trips to Indiana State Parks, TC Steele State Historic Site, an Indiana Fever Game, and Big Splash Adventure! Interns at Camp Red Fox have an active role in developing, implementing, and evaluating activities for girls ages 5 – 16. Interns receive preparation for their role at Camp Red Fox through extensive pre-camp staff training and in-service trainings throughout the summer. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked at camp before, Camp Red Fox will give you all the tools you need to create an amazing summer experience. For more information and an internship application, please contact Erin Policinski, Program Director, at 812-336-7313 or epolicinski@monroe.girls-inc.org.http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=27http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=27Imani K. is strong, smart, and bold!   Girls Incorporated is dedicated to awarding members with the Girl of the Month and Girl of the Year Title and plaque.  Each month a Girls Incorporated member is selected by the staff to be honored as Girl of the Month based on the following:  Participation in classes and activitiesPossessing a helpful and friendly attitudeBeing a role model for other members through leadership, enthusiasm and cooperationShowing respect and being polite to club members, visitors and staff These members are then treated to dinner with the Staff of the Month, and a board member. Members who display these qualifications throughout the entire year are then eligible for the Girl of the Year award. This year, Girls Incorporated has selected Imani K. to be Girl of the Year, 2010. Imani and Mayor Kruzan who presented the award.  Imani is a strong role model for members, volunteers, and staff.  She keeps a positive and polite attitude when interacting with people in thebuilding and has a great sense of fun.  We feel fortunate that she participates in after-school programming with the other members.  Imani is a creative individual who is always looking for a new and exciting way to get things done. Imani is always willing to lend a hand when needed, and she does so with a cheerful attitude. She continues to inspire all other girls to become strong, smart, and bold.  Imani is dedicated to helping the mission and everyday processes of Girls Incorporated.  She has been a joy to have in the center and continues to provide inspiration to other members.   Congratulations to you, Imani!  Girl of the Month winners for 2010 include Tsering P., Josette G. Ivy R., Kiera B.,Makayla T., Phiona R., Mina V.A special thank you to Outback Steakhouse and FARMbloomington for hosting our 2010 Girl of the Month dinners.http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=22http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=22spring break camp!March 12—16, 2012Open: 7:30 a.m.   Close: 5:30 p.m. It will be a week dedicated to all things nature! Go hiking, make nature-related art projects, hang out with friends, participate in fun science activities, and take a field trip or two.  It’s sure to be a week full of fun! Be sure to dress appropriately to be both inside and outside. Each girl will need to bring her own lunch (refrigeration and heating not available). Spend an awesome week with us!                                   Hiking  Science Fun  Art Projects Friends!Cost: $100 for current Girls Inc. members(Not a member? No problem! Go here to learn more.)To register, please submit our online form. Or  print a form and return it along with your payment to Girls Inc. by Tuesday, March 6, 2012. *After* submitting your registration, if you wish to pay online, you can do so securely here: Spring Break Online Payment Form.A confirmation email containing exact field trip dates/times will be distributed prior to the start of camp. **Please note: Erin will be away from the office from Tuesday, 2/21/2012 through Friday, 2/24/2012, and will respond to registrations or questions after she returns.**Registration Min/Max: 10/25 girls For more information, contact Erin at epolicinski@monroe.girls-inc.org or 812-336-7313.http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=36http://www.girlsinc-monroe.org/index.php?pageId=57&newsId=36From the Greater Bloomington (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce: Erin Policinski, Program Director at Girls Inc. of Monroe County, has been selected for The 2012 Executive Journey Fellowship. The Journey Fellowship was created in 2002 by Leadership & Renewal Outfitters and funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The Executive Journey Fellowship provides Indiana's youth workers greater opportunities to bring more meaning to their lives and make stronger commitments to the field of youth work. [Erin] is responsible for the overall administration of Girls Inc. program at the main center.Congratulations, Erin!To learn more, please visit http://www.thejourneyonline.org.