AHG Annual Ministry Report 2020-2021

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25YEARS 1995-2020

ANNUAL MINISTRY REPORT

2020–2021

CONTENTS 3 Message from the Executive Director & President 4 AHG Mission Statement, Global Ministry Ends, & Oath 5 Ministry Highlights 6 Virtual Legacy Gala 8 AHG Program Emphases 10 Journey Through the Years 12 AHG at a Glance 14 Stories of Faith, Service, & Fun 18 Financial Information 20 Strategic Program Alliances 22 Thank You 23 Continuing the Legacy 25 Executive Team & National Board of Trustees

DEAR FRIENDS In God’s kingdom, we are all uniquely Chosen by Him.

as His Chosen cannot be shaken by any tragedy—even a pandemic. Amid

At American Heritage Girls we have clung to our identity as

the darkness, American Heritage Girls continues to become an ever-

Chosen people of God through our nation’s year of loss and challenge,

brighter candle that God first lit 25 years ago.

and it has made all the difference. We pray you have as well.

With disruptions experienced this year, we know that holding onto As you read this year’s Annual Report, watch for the ways that

our true identities in Him has never been more challenging or more

God has been using American Heritage Girls to help our girls

necessary. We covet your prayers that all who are a part of American

know who they are in Him. In these pages, we trust you will see

Heritage Girls would boldly live out the truth that we “…are a chosen

we have lived out a clear message with the Troops, families, and

people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that

girls in the American Heritage Girls family: Every girl is Chosen

you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into

by God to be the young woman He made her to be.

his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV). Thank you for partnering with us in sharing the gift of being Chosen with girls everywhere.

Despite all that felt like a loss this year, including having to cancel our grand 25th Anniversary Convention, God has used American

May the Lord richly bless you,

Heritage Girls to remind girls and their families that their identity

CHOSEN COLOSSIANS 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

ROB RYE

PATTI GARIBAY

AHG National Board of Trustees President

AHG Founder & Executive Director

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MISSION STATEMENT

Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

GLOBAL MINISTRY ENDS

American Heritage Girls exists so that girls in the program will experience spiritual and personal growth that will enable them to impact their world for Christ while fulfilling their social responsibility. Girls’ families, Charter Organizations, AHG volunteers, and AHG Staff will experience a positive impact in their respective world. All of this will be achieved at a cost that allows AHG to sustain annual growth.

OATH

I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community.

PROGRAM YEAR

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The American Heritage Girls fiscal year runs from June to May of the upcoming year.

This Annual Ministry Report displays the AHG Program Year from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021.

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS Implemented new accounting software with AHGstore inventory integration

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to live a life of greatness. She may not be leading Israelites to the promised land like the prophet Joshua, but

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TO SUIT UP Girls toda y, espe cially teen are fully agers, awar that’s happ e and scared of all ening in time we our worl step up, d. It’s suit them the armo up with r of God, to face and equi the worl p d as a spirit them battlegro ual und each 6:10-18, day. Ephe NIV gives sians us the blue for the armor of print God:

what is God calling your daughter to do with great courage?

How is her self-discourage ment crushing her?

How are you supporting her along the way?

Take the first step, become her prayer

Increased AHGstore Gifts and Wearables category sales by nearly 100%

warrior.

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Hired five new local and remote employees across several departments and completed successful virtual onboarding

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Raising Godly Girls E-Book

Registered 5,100 girls for the AHG Pen Pal Program Raising Godly Girls Radio Feature played in 700 markets across the U.S. Created Raising Godly Girls e-books as key marketing collateral and lead generators Integrated the sales pipeline and marketing efforts using Customer Relationship Management Software Ideated, recruited, and formed a Girl Impact Curriculum Development Volunteer Team Virtually-developed North Atlanta Area Team

First-ever virtually-developed Area Team, the North Atlanta Area Team, rolled out to support Troops in the area Hired Hamilton Strategies to handle PR, media relations, and crisis communications Pivoted from live events to hosting two successful virtual events: The AHG Legacy Gala and AHGequip VIRTUAL Created robust ministry position trainings for Troop Board Members

AHG Pen Pal Program

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VIRTUAL LEGACY GALA

For 25 years, generous benefactors have fueled the transformational effects of the American Heritage Girls Program in communities nationwide. The AHG 25th Anniversary Virtual Legacy Gala honored the commitment of those who support the ministry, celebrate AHG’s success, and usher in the future of AHG.

ty Pkwy 35 Tri-Coun 45246 Cincinnati, OH

On September 17, 2020, alumnae, friends, members, and benefactors joined American Heritage Girls to celebrate God’s faithfulness over the last quarter-century at the AHG 25th Anniversary Virtual Legacy Gala.

The inaugural event honored the past, present, and future impact of the AHG Ministry on hearts, minds, and communities across the nation.

The virtual event featured video testimonials from accomplished AHG Alumnae and current AHG families, praise and music with Dove- and Grammy-Award winning Christian recording artist, Francesca Battistelli, and a keynote address from acclaimed author and Christian-parenting expert, Dr. Meg Meeker.

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During the event, AHG National Board Members Rob Rye and Marci Powell introduced the new AHG Legacy Donor Club. This new initiative gives AHG supporters a way to regularly contribute to the AHG Ministry and stay in the loop on how their donation is furthering the mission of building women of integrity.

September 17,

2020

ge Girls American Herita ary 25th Annivers

Virtual la Legacy Ga ay.

Honoring yesterd Embracing today. ow.

Celebrating tomorr

Francesca Battistelli

Dr. Meg Meeker

HERE’S WHAT OTHER GALA ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE EVENT: “After watching I knew this was something I wanted my daughter and I to be involved in; it was such a blessing.”

“Hearing the stories of how AHG has and is impacting the lives of girls and mothers was very inspiring. There are so many things pulling the family apart. I have always thought of AHG as a tool to pull families together.”

“I loved hearing from all the alumnae, hearing how AHG has shaped their lives, how it is important to them, and seeing them from Troops all over the country. It gave a bigger picture of AHG than just here in my part of the country.”

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ONE NIGHT OF CELEBRATION,

YEARS OF KINGDOM IMPACT.

Across the country, viewers tuned in (some even dressed to the nines!) to join the festivities. Pictured here is MO3110 Troop Coordinator Kelly and her daughter.

TABLE SPONSORS

$83,661 93 383 517

PLEDGED TOWARD THE $100,000 GOAL

DONORS GAVE DURING THE EVENT REGISTERED ATTENDEES

VIDEO DOWNLOADS AND VIEWS

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PROGRAM EMPHASES The AHG Program is built around six Program Emphases to achieve the mission of building women of integrity.

These six key components create a Christ-centered, progressive, and balanced structure, providing girls with a holistic experience. AHG’s goal for a girl who completes the program is that she has learned to be a Christ-following servant leader who is honoring, relational, anchored in Christ, and competent: a woman of integrity.

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FAITH

Girls are encouraged to grow in their faith and relationship with God through the AHG Faith Awards Program, prayer, fellowship, and service, which are woven throughout each aspect of the AHG Program.

Outcome: A Christ-follower who submits to Christ and seeks God’s will for her life.

LEADERSHIP

The AHG Program is rich in leadership opportunities for girls of all ages. Girls discover their passions, acquire project management skills, hold leadership positions, and participate in leadership training.

Outcome: A servant leader who follows Jesus’ model of leadership by putting others first.

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL

Girls will gain a better understanding of their identity in Christ through the AHG Program. AHG’s multi-level Troop structure encourages girls to create friendships with girls of all ages. This unique Troop structure allows for mentorships and learning

opportunities to occur naturally among girls. Girls learn to anchor their emotions in Christ in a caring and loving environment.

Outcome: A relational girl who invests in positive and loving relationships with others and clings to Christ when navigating emotions.

OUTDOORS

Nature reveals to us God’s beauty, glory, power, wisdom, presence, creativity, and, most of all, his loving care. Through the AHG Program, girls are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or camping several times a year.

High Adventure activities are great times for team building, leadership, physical activity, and strengthening relationships with friends. The outdoors will educate girls about their natural world and the beauty God has bestowed upon them.

Outcome: A girl who values creation through outdoor experiences that display the glory of God’s creation.

CITIZENSHIP

The AHG Program provides girls with a deeper understanding of their country and heritage. Girls cultivate honor for their country by participating in patriotic events, flag ceremonies, serving in their community, and through badge work.

Serving others and being active citizens with their Troop fosters a lifelong love for their country.

Outcome: An honoring girl who cares for her community as an active citizen through service and patriotism.

LIFE SKILLS

In the AHG Program, girls can step out of their comfort zone and try new experiences in a safe environment.

Earning badges provides girls the opportunity to learn a wide array of life skills, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and doers. AHG’s six Badge Frontiers include: Heritage, Family Living, Arts, Outdoor Skills, Personal Well-Being, and Science Technology.

Outcome: A competent girl who enjoys mastering new skills and applies them to her life.

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JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEARS In 1995, a group of parents led by Patti Garibay founded American Heritage Girls. They desired to see a transformation in girl programming with Godly principles at the forefront. Frustrated with the way their beloved scouting organization handled matters of faith and culture, these parents joined around a kitchen table and envisioned something new and dynamic for their daughters.

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

Idea for a new scout-like program is born

First Troop Meeting takes place

First Troop outside of Cincinnati

First office space is donated

The Stars & Stripes Award is developed

AHG Oath is created

AHG Uniform is created

AHG Creed is written

AHG incorporates in the state of Ohio

Level Awards are created

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1999

2004

First paid Staff First bound Girl Members come Handbook is on board produced Charter Dolley Madison concept added Award is to Troops created

2005

2008

2009

2010

Pathfinder Program is started

Operation Christmas Child partnership begins

Sports Pins are introduced

AHG Membership surpasses 10,000 AHG Troop Shepherd position is added

AHG now impacts the daughters of the King around the world. Since its start in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio, AHG has grown from 10 Troops and 100 members to over 53,000 members across 10 countries and 50 states.

The metamorphosis of American Heritage Girls began as the ministry emerged as a faith-based character development program designed to strengthen girls to become women of integrity. Through AHG, girls are taught the life-changing power of committing to love God, cherishing their family, honoring their country, and serving in their community.

2011

2012

2013

2015

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

AHG tagline Faith | Service | Fun is developed

National Day of Service is instituted

Celebrates 100th Stars & Stripes Award Recipient

Holds 20th Anniversary Convention for two decade milestone

1,000th Troop is chartered

AHG transitions to a national fulfillment center to meet merchandising needs

Celebrates 500th Stars & Stripes Award Recipient

AHG moves into its first stand-alone building

Hosts inaugural AHGequip VIRTUAL event, connecting and training volunteers in all 50 states

Assists in the establishment of Trail Life USA

12 new Badges introduced, bringing total to 273 Memorandum of Ministry Alliance is signed with Trail Life USA

AHGequip LIVE! training event travels across the U.S. encouraging Adult Members

Launches AHG Faith Awards Program Publishes new Girl Handbooks Releases seven virtual Program Initiatives to support Troops Celebrates 25th Anniversary Year

Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay airs on nearly 1,000 Christian radio stations nationwide

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AHG AT A GLANCE

The American Heritage Girls 2020-2021 Program Year was a test of one of AHG’s very own Creed words—Perseverance. As communities across the country continued to battle the effects of living through pandemic times, American Heritage Girls shone as a beacon of hope. This Program Year, AHG gave girls struggling with feelings of isolation a place for connection and friendship. As people across the nation suffered crippling anxiety, Girl and Adult Members found relief in service projects and outreach through an AHG Troop.

Because of the model of scout-type methods as a form of ministry, tens of thousands of girls had fun as they learned that they are unique, beloved, chosen daughters of a Heavenly Father.

There’s a longtime trend among American Heritage Girls service projects—serving foster children local to the Troop community. For foster kids, moving frequently means packing up their few belongings quickly, sometimes without warning, into any kind of bag they can find. AHG Troops like CA0414 recognize that one simple way to make foster kids feel a bit more secure is to donate bags and essentials to Child and Family Services. The Troop partnered with the Hopeful Hands Students in Action team to pack “Totes of Hope” care bags for foster youth who are temporarily living at Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services in Woodland Hills, California.

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43,174

TOTAL MEMBERS

145,916

BADGES EARNED

5,256

PEN PALS

8,270

LEVEL AWARDS EARNED

Pathfinder Fanny Crosby Award: 1,830 Tenderheart Sacagawea Award: 2,586 Explorer Lewis & Clark Award: 1,904 Ida Scudder Award: 327 Pioneer Harriet Tubman Award: 1,133 Patriot Dolley Madison Award: 476 Abigail Adams Award: 14

138

STARS & STRIPES AWARD RECIPIENTS

417,295

SERVICE HOURS

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TRAILBLAZERS/ COUNTRIES

The American Heritage Girls Trailblazer Program extends the Ministry of AHG remotely to dedicated military service families, missionary families, and girls in isolated areas or girls who are unable to join a nearby AHG Unit or Troop.

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STATES WITH HIGH IMPACT VOLUNTEERS

A High Impact Volunteer is part of a team of volunteers that God has called to encourage and catalyze Troops and growth throughout a specific area. A High Impact Volunteer demonstrates dedication, commitment, and passion and exemplifies the AHG Creed words.

Abijon, Cote d’lvoire

Japan

Arizona

Minnesota

England

Kuwait

Colorado

Missouri

Germany

Poland

Georgia

North Carolina

India

Puerto Rico

Idaho

Ohio

Italy

Singapore

Illinois

Texas

Iowa

Utah

Maryland

Virginia

Michigan

West Virginia

315

TOTAL TRAILBLAZER MEMBERS

Adult Members: 126 Girl Members: 189

117 TOP STATES with the MOST NEW TROOPS

NEW TROOPS CHARTERED JUNE 1, 2020–MAY 31, 2021

13 Texas: 8

North Carolina: 7

California: 5

Florida: 5

Indiana: 5

Ohio: 5

STORIES OF FAITH, SERVICE, & FUN One thing was certain this Program Year—AHG remained an anchor for families in these continuing uncertain times! While the world adjusted to its “new normal” the girls, volunteers, and staff of American Heritage Girls remained devoted to living out the tagline of faith, service, and fun!

FAITH “My spiritual walk is like a garden. My garden hasn’t always been one of beauty and order. There have been times where it has been overgrown, full of weeds and thorny spurs. Times of drought and fruitlessness. Being diagnosed recently with a rare brain disease has been like a see-saw for me. As I grapple with questions like “Why me?”, “What did I do to cause this?”, “Why would God allow this for me?”, or “Why does God have this in His plan, for what purpose?”, I have to keep telling myself that God’s got this or else I have nothing to hold on to, no handle on this see-saw. He is my handle, if I don’t hold onto Him, I’ll slide right off into oblivion of doubt and misery.

It’s a necessity to remember that God has a purpose and a plan. He knows what He wants to do with me, how He wants me to grow.

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Perseverant has always been the one AHG Creed word that stands out for me.

God gave me that word when I was just six years old and it is a word that I still cling to today. God has allowed me to endure storms and hardships to give me the opportunity to be perseverant. My garden is still not weed-free, but there are so many beautiful flowers. There are still thorns, but those thorns are on the stems of wild climbing roses that God is growing in my life. He is using the difficulties in my life to draw me closer to Him and calling me into a relationship that will be deeper and stronger because of the struggles I have and will continue to face.”

– Elyanne Kenney, OK0047, Stars & Stripes Award Recipient #775

SERVICE In response to the crisis that their North Texas community faced in late February, Texas Troops, including TX0317 and TX2911, rose to the occasion by applying their outdoor skills to offer solutions to some of the difficult conditions: girls melted snow for cooking outdoors and for toilet flushing, and they used camping gear indoors to stay warm (sleeping bags, safe propane heaters, etc.)! Many Troops found ways to serve others by helping neighbors to shovel their driveways. Living out the AHG Creed and using outdoor survival abilities gained by earning the Outdoor Skills Badge—from firestarting to proper use of tools like axes and hatchets—helped AHG Members in Texas and their families better cope through the winter disaster.

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FUN Hidden between the steep terrain of the Colorado Rockies is the Royal Gorge, a stunning canyon boasting daring activities for the entry-level adventurer to the thrill-seeking aficionado. The girls of SD1268 set out for the Centennial State for a five-day camping and high adventure trip of a lifetime this spring.

Together with their Troop leaders, the girls embarked on a white water rafting adventure on the Arkansas River through the gorge, enjoying stunning views of the mountains and Royal Gorge Bridge that hangs 956ft. above the rushing river rapids. Girls also enjoyed rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking during their trip before returning home to Sioux Falls.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION for June 1, 2020–May 31, 2021

American Heritage Girls, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All contributions to AHG are tax-deductible.

AHG as an organization is committed to financial transparency and accountability.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, American Heritage Girls receives the benefits of being an ECFA member. The ECFA provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully prove compliance with established standards for financial accountability, transparency, fundraising, and board governance.

Requests to view the current annual audit can be made in writing to the AHG, Inc. Office, attn: Chief Financial Officer Form 990 is available for public inspection upon request.

Annual audit performed by Barnes Dennig

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INCOME Program Income

$1,838,000

Merchandise Sales $1,045,000 Donations

$209,551

Government Grant

$420,449

Miscellaneous

$241,000

TOTAL INCOME

$3,754,000

EXPENSES Program

$2,975,800

Management

$248,600

Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES

$13,600 $3,238,000

NET ASSETS

TOTAL NET ASSETS $3,455,062

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STRATEGIC PROGRAM ALLIANCES Partnerships with like-minded organizations are essential for the growth and development of the American Heritage Girls Program.

Each year AHG is strengthened by organizations that partner to provide additional resources and benefits that support girls as they grow in their relationships with God. There are numerous ways for AHG Members to engage with each AHG Program Alliance. Girls join in a service project with their Trail Life USA brothers, become Frieda B. Kindness Ambassadors, and pack Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with their Troop, to name a few.

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AHG would like to thank each ministry who partnered in building women of integrity during the 2020-2021 Program Year! Several AHG Program Alliances are acknowledged here. For a complete listing, visit americanheritagegirls.org/alliances

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THANK YOU Thank you for being a part of the transformative ministry work of American Heritage Girls. Your prayers, support, and involvement have changed the lives of thousands of girls, volunteers, and families.

Thanks to enthusiastic girls, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and prayer warriors, AHG persevered through another unprecedented year for our country and our world. The AHG Ministry invites you to prayerfully consider how you may be able to contribute your time, talent, and treasure to AHG’s Mission of building women of integrity! We look forward to the year ahead, prayerfully hoping that each of us can live in the peace of knowing we are beloved and chosen by God!

Your contributions are invaluable.

THANK YOU! To donate to American Heritage Girls, visit americanheritagegirls.org/donate

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To read AHG’s recent publications, visit issuu.com/americanheritagegirls

CONTINUING THE LEGACY Today, American Heritage Girls is experiencing a beautiful phenomenon that comes with 25 years in ministry: the girls who first joined the program as young girls in the mid-1990s are returning to the program, now mothers to the next generation of American Heritage Girls. The legacy of AHG lives on through the founding families and original members, who now serve as leaders in their daughters’ Troops. Emily Rosen (née Behan) and her eldest daughter Olivia (pictured at right), along with another mother-daughter-duo in their Troop are among the first second-generation AHG families!

“AHG was there at a critical time in my adolescence and allowed me to grow in friendships with other girls who also shared my faith in Christ. Having that faith as the backdrop to all that we did, including the fun and silly things, helped to strengthen the idea that my faith and relationship with Christ should be at the center of all that I do and all of my daily actions, big and small, exciting or mundane, can serve as a prayer,” said original AHG Troop OH0895 alumna Emily Rosen (née Behan).

Olivia is currently an Explorer in north Cincinnati-area Troop OH0251 and Emily volunteers as the Troop Fundraising Coordinator. “We’re really excited to see Olivia continue to grow as a woman of God and to see what American Heritage Girls can offer her as she does that.

We are so appreciative of all the gifts that AHG has given us. It’s been a wonderful journey, and we’re really excited to continue.”

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EXECUTIVE STAFF Patti Garibay | Founder & Executive Director Lydia Mays | Senior Director of Finance & Staff Care Kristin Clausing | Senior Director of I.T. & Volunteer Services Rachael Culpepper | Senior Director of Ministry Expansion

2020–2021 BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rob Rye | President, Kalispell, MT Mark Deems | Vice President, Central Point, OR Nick Harshfield | Treasurer, Van Meter, IA Marci Powell | Chairman, Frankston, TX

2020–2021 BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE Earl Blanks | Cincinnati, OH Larry Cunningham | Cincinnati, OH Nancy Dendramis | Cincinnati, OH Pat Garibay | Cincinnati, OH Linda Grinalds | Cincinnati, OH Greg Schmidt | Anchorage, AK Michael Tillar | Cincinnati, OH John Wolterbeek | Duarte, CA

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25YEARS 1995-2020

35 Tri-County Pkwy | Cincinnati, OH 45246 (513) 771-2025

To learn more about American Heritage Girls, visit americanheritagegirls.org