Girls Inc.
Posted by Hugh Phillis
on Aug 17, 2015
On August 17th, Cathy Duffy-Cullity, Executive Director for Girls Inc., addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding the history of Girls Inc. and their campaign to raise 1.5 million dollars to fund remodeling their current location. The current building on Burke Street is slated for a major remodeling in the near future.
John Collins, grandfather of Bill Barry, was the founding patron. It was 41 years ago that the Girls Club came into existence. Tom Tessier, a former Rotarian was instrumental in making their position independent from other organizations (Boys and Girls Club) in the community. Jack Law, Joe Bellavance and Bill Barry are also an important part of the history providing support for Girls Inc.
The mission of Girls Inc. is to empower girls to do the best they can and become successful adults. They become “Extraordinary”. They offer many courses on a variety of topics from career development and direction to supportive academic courses. They also teach Internet safety and offer a support network for those living in settings other than traditional families that strain their personal privacy and safety.
Nashua is the largest chapter in the country. They have a current fundraising campaign of 1.5 million dollars to fund the remodeling. It will add a 2nd floor, new heat and A/C, locker room showers are some of the areas being improved. The Girls Inc. has a current budget of $1.6 million dollars. The remodeled building will be renamed after Tom and Rita Richardson who have donated $250,000 for the remodeling effort.
Ann Marie, a participant in Girls Inc., related her personal story of growing up in a challenging family setting. She is the current Girl of the Year for Girls Inc. She was delightful and inspiring as she candidly described her experiences and how important Girls Inc. has been in her life. We also viewed a video of the typical day at Girls Inc.. Tours of the facilities were offered after the meeting.