Emily Imagines a Successful Future
For 10 years, Girls Inc. provided Emily with a supportive and consistent environment, empowering her to overcome personal setbacks and learn to appreciate and imagine a bright future for herself.
When Emily began attending Girls Inc., she struggled with the absence of her father. His sudden departure led to feelings of abandonment, causing her to deal with these emotions through self-harm. The relationship between Emily and her mother became strained as Emily felt resentment and anger over the family’s situation. At the same time, with the loss of income, Emily’s mother struggled to provide for the family, creating further challenges.
Girls Inc. helped Emily reconnect with life. The positive environment provided an outlet for her to heal through music, dance, and fitness classes. She developed confidence in her abilities and found the support to improve her relationships with her mother. She also was able to develop “the most important relationship of all,” she said: the one with herself.
Through economic literacy programming, Emily gained a sense of power and freedom. She even used the skills she learned to help her mother build her own business, which helped the family find greater financial security.
Emily loves animals and plans to attend Oregon State University in the fall to study Animal Sciences. After graduation, Emily hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Read more about how Girls Inc. is making a difference in the lives of girls.
“Because of Girls Inc. I no longer feel helpless. I now have the tools to live a life filled with power, freedom and possibility.”
