Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.
Our Mission
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Our Vision
Powerful girls in an equitable society.
Our Values
Recognize and support the strength in every girl.
Respect the dignity of each human being and demonstrate genuine care and concern for the well-being of others.
Understand and appreciate diversity, embrace inclusiveness, and advance equity.
Drive for results anchored in integrity and accountability.
Collaborate for impact.
Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
Founded in 1950
Originally established as the Girls Club of Wilmington, Girls Incorporated of Delaware began with support from the Soroptimist Club and Mrs. Pierre S. DuPont. A $20,000 gift in 1953 led to the purchase of its first facility, which opened in 1954 with 700 members and Mary Dennison serving as the first executive director. By 1960, a $250,000 expansion funded by the United Way modernized the center.
The organization grew through outreach programs, grants, and community support, expanding to multiple locations, including Newark and Claymont. By 1990, it rebranded as Girls Incorporated of Delaware, aligning with the national identity.
Evolving from homemaking skills to empowering young women, Girls Inc. provides research-backed programs that foster creativity, self-sufficiency, and advocacy for girls’ unique needs.
Ever Evolving
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
The Girls Inc. Experience
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada.
Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.