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GirlForward mentors young refugees by helping them adapt to new surroundings around Chicagoland and Austin, TX, teaching them English, finance, and social skills to be productive members of American society.<ref name=":1" /> Girls find the organization through referrals or by friends who are involved with the organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.girlforward.org/press/|title=Press|website=GirlForward|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-13}}</ref> All of the refugees come to America legally with their families through the [[Office of Refugee Resettlement]].<ref name=":1" /> To gain membership Brettschneider travels to the girl's homes to discuss the organization.
GirlForward mentors young refugees by helping them adapt to new surroundings around Chicagoland and Austin, TX, teaching them English, finance, and social skills to be productive members of American society.<ref name=":1" /> Girls find the organization through referrals or by friends who are involved with the organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.girlforward.org/press/|title=Press|website=GirlForward|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-13}}</ref> All of the refugees come to America legally with their families through the [[Office of Refugee Resettlement]].<ref name=":1" /> To gain membership Brettschneider travels to the girl's homes to discuss the organization.


The GirlForward headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. The second location opened in 2016 in Austin, Texas.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/static/section/20-in-their-20s-2017@recipient=g.html|title=See why Blair Brettschneider is one of @crainschicago #Crain20s:|work=Crain's Chicago Business|access-date=2018-10-18|language=en}}</ref> The organization serves about 300 girls a year and has 7 people on their staff between the two locations.<ref name=":2" /> Both locations are designed with colorful displays to promote a safe and relaxing atmosphere.<ref name=":1" />
The GirlForward headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. The second location opened in 2016 in Austin, Texas.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/static/section/20-in-their-20s-2017@recipient=g.html|title=See why Blair Brettschneider is one of @crainschicago #Crain20s:|work=Crain's Chicago Business|access-date=2018-10-18|language=en}}</ref> The organization serves about 200-300 girls a year and has 7 people on their staff between the two locations.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8" /> Both locations are designed with colorful displays to promote a safe and relaxing atmosphere.<ref name=":1" />


== Services ==
== Services ==
GirlForward serves refugee girls to help ease their integration into the states. The creation of the Mentor, Education, and Safe Space programs allow fellow refugee girls to establish a network to exchange their experiences with one another. These programs give them access to mentors, educational tutors, leadership opportunities, and planned activities.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.rewire.org/our-future/girlforward-helps-young-refugees/|title=GirlForward Helps Young Refugees Transition a New Life|date=2017-05-03|work=Rewire|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/girlforward|title=GirlForward {{!}} HuffPost|website=www.huffingtonpost.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-29}}</ref>&nbsp; These planned activities are centered around what GirlForward call the four W's:
GirlForward serves refugee girls to help ease their integration into the states. The creation of the Mentor, Education, and Safe Space programs allow fellow refugee girls to establish a network to exchange their experiences with one another. These programs give them access to mentors, educational tutors, leadership opportunities, and planned activities.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.rewire.org/our-future/girlforward-helps-young-refugees/|title=GirlForward Helps Young Refugees Transition a New Life|date=2017-05-03|work=Rewire|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/girlforward|title=GirlForward {{!}} HuffPost|website=www.huffingtonpost.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-29}}</ref>&nbsp; The mentoring program allows the girls to explore their passions and graduate from high school.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://voyagechicago.com/interview/meet-ashley-marine-girlforward-edgewaterrogers-park/|title=Meet Ashley Marine of GirlForward in Edgewater and Rogers Park - Voyage Chicago {{!}} Chicago City Guide|access-date=2018-11-29|language=en-US}}</ref>
These planned activities are centered around what GirlForward call the four W's:


==== Wallet: ====
==== Wallet: ====
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The girls and their mentors spend time doing homework, reading, and researching and learning about new topics. The mentors will provide guidance relating to academics and extra curricular activities. The mentors also give guidance about college, and other after graduation options.<ref name=":8" />
The girls and their mentors spend time doing homework, reading, and researching and learning about new topics. The mentors will provide guidance relating to academics and extra curricular activities. The mentors also give guidance about college, and other after graduation options.<ref name=":8" />


The activities consist of studying English, mathematics, computer skills, exploring museums, learning about different cultures, health/hygiene instruction, budgeting for future trips, dancing music or singing.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9161666/|title=Spirit of Giving: 'GirlForward' helps teen refugees|work=ABC7 Chicago|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en}}</ref> They also offers Camp GirlForward and the safe space project that allow the girls to explore their identity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://austintrailoflights.org/blog/stars-at-the-trail-girlforward|title=STARS at the Trail: GirlForward|website=Austintrailoflights.org|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en}}</ref> The non profit goal is to help them graduate college and currently hold 100% high school graduation rate which has been reported by Ashley Marine, the director of engagement at GirlForward'''.'''
The activities consist of studying English, mathematics, computer skills, exploring museums, learning about different cultures, health/hygiene instruction, budgeting for future trips, dancing music or singing.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9161666/|title=Spirit of Giving: 'GirlForward' helps teen refugees|work=ABC7 Chicago|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en}}</ref> They also offers Camp GirlForward and the safe space project that allow the girls to explore their identity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://austintrailoflights.org/blog/stars-at-the-trail-girlforward|title=STARS at the Trail: GirlForward|website=Austintrailoflights.org|access-date=2018-10-29|language=en}}</ref> The safe spaces programs includes a combination or in-school and after school tutoring, field trips and workshops.<ref name=":8" /> This is the largest GirlForward program.<ref name=":8" /> The non profit goal is to help them graduate college and currently hold 100% high school graduation and 90% of mentoring program graduates go on to attend college.<ref name=":8" />

== Events ==
=== Girl Jam ===
=== Girl Jam ===
Girl Jam is a fundraiser event organized by GirlForward where girls share their life stories to an audience. Every year, GirlForward organizes Girl Jam with a goal to raise money. The money raised, mainly from foundations and individuals, go toward budget programs and transportation. During the Summer of 2015, $ 6,000 were spent toward girls' transportation fees to [[Rogers Park, Chicago|Rogers Park]] who can't afford.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2015/09/16/girlforward-gives-teenage-refugee-girls-a-chance-to-grow|title=GirlForward gives teenage refugee girls a chance to grow|last=Wellen|first=Brianna|work=Chicago Reader|access-date=2018-11-11|language=en}}</ref> The Summer camp offers classes and a variety of field trips where girls make new friends while improving English and building their confidence.<ref name=":5" />
Girl Jam is a fundraiser event organized by GirlForward where girls share their life stories to an audience. Every year, GirlForward organizes Girl Jam with a goal to raise money. The money raised, mainly from foundations and individuals, go toward budget programs and transportation. During the Summer of 2015, $ 6,000 were spent toward girls' transportation fees to [[Rogers Park, Chicago|Rogers Park]] who can't afford.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2015/09/16/girlforward-gives-teenage-refugee-girls-a-chance-to-grow|title=GirlForward gives teenage refugee girls a chance to grow|last=Wellen|first=Brianna|work=Chicago Reader|access-date=2018-11-11|language=en}}</ref> The Summer camp offers classes and a variety of field trips where girls make new friends while improving English and building their confidence.<ref name=":5" />

Revision as of 18:25, 29 November 2018

GirlForward
Formation2011 (2011)
FounderBlair Brettschneider
TypeNon-profit
Legal status501(c)(3)
Region served
Chicago, Illinois and Austin, Texas
Revenue (2017)
$519,044
Websitehttps://www.girlforward.org/

GirlForward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2011 by Blair Brettschneider. The organization is dedicated to empowering refugee girls ages 12 to 21 from over 30 different countries who have resettled in areas around Chicago, Illinois and Austin, Texas.[1] GirlForward uses three-core programs to assist refugee girls. The Mentoring Program, the Education Program and the Safe Spaces Program provide English education, financial literacy and opportunities to meet friends and role models in the community. GirlForward also provides tutoring and mentors to guide refugee girls throughout their schooling.[2]

History

Blair Brettschneider first got involved with assisting refugees in high school while working for the Save Darfur Coalition.[3] At RefugeeOne, a refugee resettlement non-profit, Brettschneider met Domi, a refugee girl from Burundi.[1] Brettschneider was inspired by Domi's story and the stories of refugee girls alike.[1] With a $2,000 gift from her grandparents, Brettschneider formed a support group that consisted of 10 refugee teens.[3][4] The support group evolved into GirlForward.

GirlForward mentors young refugees by helping them adapt to new surroundings around Chicagoland and Austin, TX, teaching them English, finance, and social skills to be productive members of American society.[3] Girls find the organization through referrals or by friends who are involved with the organization.[5] All of the refugees come to America legally with their families through the Office of Refugee Resettlement.[3] To gain membership Brettschneider travels to the girl's homes to discuss the organization.

The GirlForward headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. The second location opened in 2016 in Austin, Texas.[6] The organization serves about 200-300 girls a year and has 7 people on their staff between the two locations.[6][2] Both locations are designed with colorful displays to promote a safe and relaxing atmosphere.[3]

Services

GirlForward serves refugee girls to help ease their integration into the states. The creation of the Mentor, Education, and Safe Space programs allow fellow refugee girls to establish a network to exchange their experiences with one another. These programs give them access to mentors, educational tutors, leadership opportunities, and planned activities.[7][8]  The mentoring program allows the girls to explore their passions and graduate from high school.[2][9]

These planned activities are centered around what GirlForward call the four W's:

Wallet:

The girls learn to make budgets, calculate tax, and make grocery lists. Mentors provide guidance relating to jobs and finances, helping girls create resumes, apply for jobs and provide options for after high school graduation, including colleges and careers.[2]

Wellness:

This category encourages girls to think about mental and physical health, self-esteem, and body image. The girls and mentors may take a yoga class, meditate, or go on long walks.[2]

World:

The girls and their mentors share their cultural identities, explore their neighborhoods, and learn about the world. The girls learn how to benefit from the resources within their community, and how to give back to their community, by volunteering.[2]

Wisdom:

The girls and their mentors spend time doing homework, reading, and researching and learning about new topics. The mentors will provide guidance relating to academics and extra curricular activities. The mentors also give guidance about college, and other after graduation options.[2]

The activities consist of studying English, mathematics, computer skills, exploring museums, learning about different cultures, health/hygiene instruction, budgeting for future trips, dancing music or singing.[7][10] They also offers Camp GirlForward and the safe space project that allow the girls to explore their identity.[11] The safe spaces programs includes a combination or in-school and after school tutoring, field trips and workshops.[2] This is the largest GirlForward program.[2] The non profit goal is to help them graduate college and currently hold 100% high school graduation and 90% of mentoring program graduates go on to attend college.[2]

Girl Jam

Girl Jam is a fundraiser event organized by GirlForward where girls share their life stories to an audience. Every year, GirlForward organizes Girl Jam with a goal to raise money. The money raised, mainly from foundations and individuals, go toward budget programs and transportation. During the Summer of 2015, $ 6,000 were spent toward girls' transportation fees to Rogers Park who can't afford.[12] The Summer camp offers classes and a variety of field trips where girls make new friends while improving English and building their confidence.[12]

Feldman Forward Initiative

Feldman Forward Initiative was created by Spektral Quartet with the intent to raise money to help Girlforward organization. In 2017, Spektral Quartet raised $ 4,150 for GirlForward for improving girls refugee programs and opportunities through Feldman Forward Initiative.[13] Spektral Quartet created this challenge to raise money for GirlForward at Morton Feldman’s Quartet No. 2 premiere held in Chicago in March, 2017 due to community's recommendation. The challenge was possible and GirlForward was able to achieve their goal with the help of concertgoers and Spectral Quartet.[13]

Feasts of Resistance

Feasts of Resistance is a project that offers cooking classes to the public inspired by Haitian Freedom Soup. Haitian Freedom Soup depicts a pumpkin dish representing the freedom of Haitian slaves in 1804.[14] GirlForward is partnering with Peterson Garden Project for the Feasts of Resistance where refugee girls cook dishes representing their culture and the struggle of oppression. The Feasts of Resistance project features cooking classes, where refugee girls are part of the teaching process.[14]

Multicultural Mural

Multicultural mural was designed by Color Squad, a non-profit organization, after Austin Public Works Department approved the artwork. GirlForward partnered with two organizations, Color Squad and Creative Action, and created a 240 feet long mural in East Austin, Texas after collecting signatures for approval from neighbors. The mural celebrates the beauty of diversity with designs that illustrates multiculturalism to encourage love and unity between cultures.[15]

Awards

Title of Award Publication Year
Creator Award, Changing the World[16] WeWork 2017
20 In Their 20's[6] Crain's Chicago Business 2017
Best Chicago Charities[17] Thrillest 2017
30 Under 30[18] Forbes 2017
Best Charities in Chicago[19] Chicago Magazine 2015

In 2015, Chicago Magazine did a Best Charities in Chicago list with categories of Environment, Health, Hunger & Homelessness, Pets, Justice & Equality, and Community Resources. Chicago Magazine's qualifiers to make the list were 501(c)(3) status from the IRS and those who earned Charity Navigator’s top ranking of four stars.[19] GirlForward was placed in the "Four to Watch" category lacking the Charity Navigator four star ranking.

In 2017, GirlForward founder Blair Brettschneider made Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This list consists of 20 categories with 30 winners for each category under 30 years old. Brettschneider ranked #4 out of 30 in the Education category.[18]

In 2017, the online media website Thrillist crafted a "Best Chicago Charities and Organizations" list. GirlForward is one out of three "Aid Refugee" organizations in Chicago.[17]

Crain's Chicago Business publishes a list of 20 Chicago area professionals under 30 who have acquired local attention in areas of business, law, real estate, philanthropic work, etc. Blair Brettschneider, made the list in 2017 for her philanthropic work with GirlForward.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c Griffin, Courtney. "Chicago non-profit founder nominated for CNN Hero Award". RedEye Chicago. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "GirlForward : lmpact Report 2018" (PDF). Static1.squarespace.com. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e Allie Torgan. "Girls flee bombs, build new lives in America". Cnn.com. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  4. ^ Hartz, Marlena. "8 Awe-Inspiring Women Founders To Applaud On World Refugee Day". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  5. ^ "Press". GirlForward. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
  6. ^ a b c d "See why Blair Brettschneider is one of @crainschicago #Crain20s:". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
  7. ^ a b "GirlForward Helps Young Refugees Transition a New Life". Rewire. 2017-05-03. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  8. ^ "GirlForward | HuffPost". www.huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  9. ^ "Meet Ashley Marine of GirlForward in Edgewater and Rogers Park - Voyage Chicago | Chicago City Guide". Retrieved 2018-11-29.
  10. ^ "Spirit of Giving: 'GirlForward' helps teen refugees". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  11. ^ "STARS at the Trail: GirlForward". Austintrailoflights.org. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  12. ^ a b Wellen, Brianna. "GirlForward gives teenage refugee girls a chance to grow". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2018-11-11.
  13. ^ a b "Spektral Quartet Raises Over $4,000 for GirlForward". Spektral Quartet. Retrieved 2018-11-11.
  14. ^ a b "Edgewater's Refugee Girls Share Stories Of Struggle Through Cooking Class". DNAinfo Chicago. Retrieved 2018-11-11.
  15. ^ "Teen-created mural celebrates diversity in Austin". Spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  16. ^ "3 Creator Award Winners Who Are Changing the World - Creator by WeWork". Creator by WeWork. 2017-06-06. Retrieved 2018-11-28.
  17. ^ a b Bruce, Nicole (2018-11-26). "These Chicago Charities and Organizations Need Your Help". Thrillist. Retrieved 2018-11-28.
  18. ^ a b "30 Under 30 2017: Education". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-28.
  19. ^ a b "The Best Charities in Chicago". Chicago magazine. Retrieved 2018-11-28.
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