Girls Inc. of Alameda County Always Hard at Work

While our programs are suspended during the Oakland Unified school closure, Girls Inc. program staff have shifted gears and are participating in intensive professional development. With training sessions set up via videoconferencing, staff are increasing their skills in STEM learning, equity practices, trauma response, and literacy. Even though our staff is disappointed that they can’t see their students, they show up to work committed to making the world a better place for girls.

As a critical after-school provider in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), we are working closely with the district to ensure that we will be prepared and ready to run elementary programs as soon as our students are back in school. High school and middle school programs will also resume when safe to do so, and our staff will be ready to begin instruction with even more expertise under their belts.

“We’re taking advantage of the time to expand on training, develop online content for future use, and provide opportunities for staff to build their skills. It is a small silver lining, but we’re all excited about what we’ll bring to our girls when programs resume,” said Courtney Johnson Clendinen, Chief Programs Officer. “The resilience we show as an organization models the resilience we teach our girls.”

Girls Inc. of Alameda County cares for our girls, families, and staff in equal measure. As we all practice social distancing, our colleagues – whether in finance, programs, development or any other department – are working remotely to ensure our critical work in the community continues. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our volunteers, investors, board members, Women of Impact, and community members as we navigate this uncertain time. Thanks to you all. Working together – even at a distance – we transform lives.