Happy Fall, Community! 

As the seasons change, I am filled with gratitude once again for how this island community shows up for our girls.

At our recent Open House, parents, caregivers, board members, and our youth connected over a shared meal, STEAM activities from the USS Hornet, and conversations with friends new and old deepening community connections. This year, we will serve approximately 1,200 children, and I want every family to feel that same sense of belonging! 

Student voice and choice are our renewed focus this year.

Youth in our AIK programs have started clubs for sharing stuffed animals, exploring math, and playing the piano, to name just a few. In the Girls Program, participants are electing a president and vice president through a process that includes public speaking, poster-making, and conversations with peers about their values and ideas for improving the program. These experiences are building leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement.

As adults entering an election season, I'm reminded that our kids are watching us. We'll be their models for constructive dialogue, sharing how our values shape our decisions, and practicing the art of respectful disagreement. Let's continue advancing what Girls Inc. of the Island City stands for: inspiring all youth to be strong, smart, and bold in an equitable society. That is what this community is all about.

Thank you for being part of our movement,

Dr. Jennifer Pigza, CEO | Girls Inc. of the Island City

💛 Programmatic Highlights

Growing together at Girls Inc. of the Island City

Girls Programs are in full swing. The past month has focused on building a fun, supportive, and engaging community for girls and staff alike.

One recent activity invited girls to identify a role model they admire. One participant chose to paint Program Facilitator Lea—a beautiful example of the relationships growing in our programs. Our girls have also been deepening their inquiry-based learning with several activities throughout the week. 

Today we give a special shout-out to Program Facilitator Denise, who has been stepping into leadership and putting the skills from our Girls Inc. 2.0 Training into action. Her growth is a powerful reminder of the value of investing in staff development. 

Welcome, B! In just a few short weeks, our Program Facilitator B has brought energy and enthusiasm to the team, along with extensive after-school and summer camp experience and a passion for music. Our students are enthusiastic about B's addition and we look forward to a year filled with interconnection, growth, and fun.

AIK: Connection, Discovery, and Community in Action 

August and September have been full of collaboration and connection across Alameda Island Kids (AIK). As the school year began, our teams focused on building strong relationships with students and families, strengthening school partnerships, and ensuring every child felt welcomed, supported, and ready to thrive.

A seasonal highlight has been the launch of STEM programming in partnership with STEMsters, a dynamic group of Alameda High School students, many of whom once attended AIK. Their first sessions at Earhart engaged 3rd-5th graders in hands-on science and engineering challenges. As Site Director Lois Hodges observed, "They are little scientists in the making." Girls Inc. of the Island City is growing scientists in our aftercare program that goes beyond daycare experience, and we are very proud of that.

Community Events and Support

Supporting Fall Programs

As you may be aware, organizations across the country are facing a challenging year. Reliable funding has thinned, hitting small local nonprofits particularly hard — especially those serving girls and youth of color. We have seen peer organizations shorten program years, reduce scholarships, lay off staff, and in some cases, close their doors.

We are not going to do that.

A young person having a place to go after school, adults who know their name, and people who believe in their potential should not depend on the funding climate. Here, it depends on all of us.

At Girls Inc. of the Island City, we remain committed to providing meaningful programs, scholarships, and supportive spaces for the young people and families we serve. That is possible because our community is generous, and Alameda shows up. 

Every contribution helps Alameda girls and youth learn, grow, build confidence, and feel supported throughout the school year. Will you contribute today? Find out more about the campaign here.

This matching challenge finish line is on October 17 at the Donut Fun Run! We will share the final result at the Donut Fun Run, and we hope you will be there to celebrate.  

Thanks for helping us raise the next generation of leaders,

Renata Moreira | Development and Marketing Director

Donut Fun Run!

Join our leadership and board for a fun-filled day of community, donuts, live entertainment, and family activities while supporting Girls Inc. of the Island City!
Date: Saturday, October 17 at 9:00 AM

Location: Seaplane Lagoon Promenade, 2151 Ferry Point Road, Alameda

Donor/Sponsor Highlights

Generosity inspires generosity, and Anne and Fred Kohler continue to show that through their commitment to Girls Inc. of the Island City and our Alameda youth.

As longtime Island City neighbors and dedicated supporters, Anne and Fred have invested in opportunities for young people in our community. Anne is a former board member and a talented photographer who has generously shared her creative gifts with our organization.

Together, Anne and Fred have supported college-going participants through the multi-year Serendipity Scholarship. They have also expanded their support through a three-year pledge dedicated to GEMS, our social-emotional learning program, helping make leadership and learning opportunities more accessible to Alameda girls. 

From today until October 17, the Kohlers are generously matching every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 __ doubling the impact of each contribution.

Much gratitude to Anne and Fred for your years of generosity, partnership, and belief in the potential of the young people we serve.

STAY IN LOOP

Forward this to your colleagues and community — Thanks for guiding families and friends to Girls Inc. of the Island City