Recognizing we are in the midst of the largest refugee crisis since World War II, the Sasha G.M. Shaikh Foundation has selected GirlForward as a grant recipient.
GirlForward, a Chicago-based organization, is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.
HELP US SUPPORT GIRLFORWARD EMPOWER GIRLS TO HAVE A VOICE
- Mentorship Program – refugee girls are paired with women volunteer mentors meeting weekly to help girls set and achieve their goals.
- Camp GirlForward – academic summer program for refugee girls with a social justice-based curriculum. Girls are provided with transportation, meals, and school supplies for the entire summer at no cost to them or their families.
- Safe Spaces Project – after-school support and monthly workshops at GirlForward’s program center, an in-school empowerment program for refugee girls.
The organization’s greatest need is support to increase staff and keep up with program growth. Through investment in girls, we strengthen entire families and communities. Please consider a donation to help us support GirlForward to empower girls to have a voice and take a stand.
ADOLESCENT REFUGEE GIRLS RESETTLED IN U.S. NEED SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
U.S. Resettlement provides families with great opportunities as well as tremendous challenges. Adolescent girls in particular face overwhelming responsibilities and social isolation, and generally receive the fewest resources. While trying to learn to navigate a completely new country and culture, they act as caregivers, translators, and financial contributors.
THROUGH INVESTMENT IN GIRLS WE STRENGTHEN ENTIRE COMMUNITIES
GirlForward builds lifelong relationships with refugee girls ages 12 – 21 who have been resettled from war-torn countries around the world and are now building lives in the U.S. They provide mentors, friends, and a safe space to ensure girls are fully empowered.
GirlForward provides all three elements:
GIRLFORWARD HELPS REFUGEE GIRLS GO TO COLLEGE
Prior to arriving in the U.S., the average refugee girl has only 2 years of education, often a result of migrating from place to place. As a result of GirlForward’s program and with their help, girls in the program often get involved in scholarship and leadership programs are often the first generation to attend college.