Dear Friends,

I am writing to share some wonderful news that we want you, as our most valued community members, to know.

With the enduring strength of our Lynn community, Girls Inc. has had a direct, meaningful, and lasting impact in the lives of thousands of girls, young women, and families. And, from this foundation, we are eager to share our programming with new communities of girls in our region.

As part of our strategic plan to grow Girls Inc.’s programming in the greater Lynn, North Shore and Boston communities, we will be expanding our organization by welcoming another impressive nonprofit in the girls mentoring space under our umbrella: Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG).

Established in 2004, SWSG’s multi-generational mentoring model aligns with our mission and values, fostering strength, leadership, and resilience in young women and girls. With more than 400 girl participants at 35 after-school program locations in the North Shore and Greater Boston area, eight college chapter partnerships boasting more than 230 young women leaders, and dozens of professional women who volunteer their time and talent, SWSG of Boston has served thousands of youth over the years.

Starting this fall and over the course of the 2024-25 academic year, SWSG’s robust program will become part of our direction, operations, and branding. Our Board of Directors and leadership team are working closely with our colleagues at SWSG to ensure a smooth and transparent transition for their partner sites, program participants, volunteers, and staff.

Additionally, this expansion will enable us to leverage an established network to build on Girls Inc.’s trajectory to position itself as the regional leader in the girls mentoring space as well as directly impacting more youth from childhood through young adulthood.

We welcome this community into ours with deep respect, commitment, and joy while acknowledging that all change presents challenges and opportunities that we will gracefully shoulder together.

As supporters, volunteers, donors, and friends, I would like to personally thank you for your continued support and dedication as we lean into this moment of growth. I will keep you informed as we move through this year together.

Warm regards,

Natalie Martinez

Chief Executive Officer