How many girls does Girls Inc.® serve and how many volunteers are involved?
Empowerment programs, 750-1000 girls annually United Girls Summit, 2000 girls
Volunteers, 100 annually

Why just girls?
The purpose of Girls Inc. programming is to enable girls to achieve their full potential. To do this, girls must conquer social, legal and cultural barriers that are different than those of boys. By providing space and programming that is targeted specifically to girls, their needs and their challenges, Girls inc. is able to put them on the same playing field as boys as they grow in life and develop into professional and responsible citizens.

Girls are self-medicating on substances at earlier ages
Methamphetamine use among girls has increased 57% in the last five years (Oregon Department of Health and Human Services, 2004).
·75% of girls grades 10-12 report frequent drinking (Oregon Healthy Teen Survey, 2003).

Prevention is much cheaper than intervention.
Juvenile Incarceration and/or treatment services average $43,000 per youth per year. Girls Inc. prevention programming costs $300 per girl per year.

What is Girls Inc.’s® view on sexuality?
Girls Inc. encourages all girls to develop positive sexual identities and to function comfortably as responsible sexual beings. We recognize that the family is the primary source of information about sex, and we help girls and young women communicate with their families about sexuality.
To make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood, girls need and have a right to sensitive, truthful sexuality education; convenient access to safe, effective methods of contraception and protection from disease; and referral to comprehensive information, counseling, clinical and other services that support their responsible decisions. We recognize that any sizable group of girls includes those who face issues related to their sexual orientation or that of a family member and who face discrimination based on this sexual orientation. Girls have a right to positive, supportive environments and linkages to community resources for dealing with issues of sexual orientation.

In what capacity does Girls Inc.® use volunteers?
Girls Inc.® uses volunteers in every area of the organization - from providing homework help for the girls to assisting with events. We also have an internship program for college students who want to attain real-life experience in any of the departments. For more information about volunteering please call (503) 230-0054 volunteer.

Girls are not safe in our community
29% of forcible rapes are perpetrated on girls under the age of 11. (Oregon Department of Health and Human Services, 2004).

Girls are suffering from isolation and depression
One in three girls, grades 7-12, report frequent feelings of hopelessness and depression
(Oregon Healthy Teen Survey, 2003)
· Oregon’s suicide rate is 27% higher than the national average
(Oregon School Based Health Centers, 2001).

Does Girls Inc.® work with boys?
No, Girls Inc. of NW Oregon® does not work with boys. Our expertise is girls. Our Health and Sexuality Programs periodically serve boys by providing curriculum-based programs in the schools, one-time customized workshops, and professional trainings.

What kinds of programs are available for girls?
More than ever, services offered by Girls Inc. are critical in a community that cares about the healthy development of all young people. To meet the needs of girls and young women in our community, Girls Inc. of NW Oregon offers programs in the following areas:
· Relational Aggression
· Science, math, and technology
· Drug and Alcohol Prevention
· Support programming for girls in foster care or transitioning out of residential programs (juvenile justice included)
· Leadership Development & Community Service Opportunities

What is Girls Inc.’s® annual budget?
Girls Inc. of NW Oregon’s annual budget is $250,000 a year. Our support is provided by corporate, foundation and individual donations, government, workplace giving programs and community support.

What is Girls Inc.’s® view on reproductive freedom?
Girls Inc.® affirms that girls and young women should make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood.
We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman's freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade.