RICHMOND, Ind. – Girls Inc. of Wayne County is celebrating women in the community while recovering from storm damage that temporarily closed its building.
Melissa Soper, director of the organization, said the community support has been amazing since a storm damaged part of the roof and air-conditioning units.
“Everyone has been there for us,” Soper said. “We’ve had donations. We had offers to use buildings. It has just been an amazing outpouring of love and kindness to Girls Inc.”
Thanks to the Richmond Senior Recreation Center, programming was only paused for one week. Soper said she even had the chance to lead the teen group and play pickleball with the girls during that time. Donations are still being accepted at local partners including RPD and Phillips Drugs.
Girls Inc. is accepting nominations for its Athena Leadership Awards, which honor women in the community. There are two awards: the Athena Leadership Award and the Athena Young Leadership Award for professionals aged 22-35.
Nominations are open through April 22. Letters of recommendation and detailed information are encouraged. Nominations can be submitted through the Girls Inc. Facebook page or at girlsincwayne.org.
The 27th annual RunWalk 5K will be held May 27 and will kick off the Wayne County Challenge. Registration is $25 through May 8 and $30 afterward. The first 200 registrants receive a T-shirt. Sponsors who register by April 15 will have their names printed on the back of the shirts.
Soper said the course is beginner-friendly and has historically had good weather on race day.
Summer program registration is open. While some activities may not take place in the building due to repairs, details will be available on the Girls Inc. Facebook page and Instagram.
“Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold,” Soper said. “It's all about empowering the young girls because they're going to be our future. ”
Girls Inc. also teaches digital media safety and addresses unrealistic social media standards in schools throughout Wayne, Fayette, and Union Counties.
