Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches who guide and mentor the girls. The goal, Clark says, is for girls to develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and themselves with care, create positive connections with peers and adults and make a meaningful contribution to community and society.
Each team creates and executes a community project. Those projects have ranged from writing get well cards to kids at Dayton Children’s to cooking lunch for school construction workers. The girls have put on a play to raise funds for SICSA and have conducted food drives.
“It was just amazing to be a part of a group of girls that are experiencing hardships in their lives, but were still able to come together to form a team that lifts each other up and builds each other’s confidence,” notes one of the volunteer coaches.
Clark first came to Girls on the Run as a community supporter in Orlando.
“My first experience was at their spring 5K, which just so happened to be my first 5K too,” she recalls. “I ran alongside Chloe, who began the run very nervous and unsure if she would be able to finish. Not only did Chloe finish, she sprinted the entire 5K and crossed the finish line with such joy and confidence. From that moment on I knew I had to be part of the GOTR family in a bigger way.”
When Clark moved back home to the Dayton area, she joined the local group.
“I have been with the organization for seven years and have worked with hundreds of volunteer coaches and thousands of GOTR girls,” she said.
The registration fee for the “Girls on the Run” program is $165. Clark says scholarships are offered to every girl in need. “There is no application or proof of income required,” she said. “We work on the honor system and 64 percent of the girls served annually are on scholarship.”
Here’s what they can use:
- Markers
- Pencils, pens
- Poster board
- Paper plates,
- Index cards
- Balloons
- Hair bands
- Scissors.
Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the organization’s office, 3731 W. Alex Bell Road, West Carrollton.
Other ways to help
- Run in the fall 5K: The programs conclude with all participants walking or running in a celebratory 5K event. The upcoming event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 16 at Wright State University. The Dayton Fall Celebratory 5K is presented by Dayton Children’s Hospital & Synchrony beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the run beginning at 1 p.m. Register to run: www.gotrdayton.org/5k OR in-person on race day. Admission is $30.
- Sponsor a girl: You can also sponsor a girl by contacting: www.gotrdayton.org/donate.
- Start a team; sign up a girl: Girls on the Run conducts both a fall and spring season. If you are interested in starting a team or signing your girl up to participate, contact Maeve O’Hara, Council Coordinator at maeve.ohara@girlsontherun.org.
- For more information visit: www.gotrdayton.org.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Meredith Moss writes about Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: meredith.moss@coxinc.com. Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.
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