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“Before visiting the Girls Club most people just think ‘rec room’...
They see young people designing clothes and videos, doing dance movement, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. It’s really well-rounded and wellserviced. And the people who work there are so dedicated.” Rosario Dawson iGIRLS CLUB BOARD MEMBER & CHAMPION Forbes.com — " Where Rosario Dawson Goes To Find Hope"
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Illustration & Design: Lenora Thornton
But when they go in there and they see the planetarium, and the Airstream that was airlifted onto the second floor and turned into a recording studio.
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Welcome! About Us
Our History Making an Impact Our Community on the Lower East Side Programs Alumna Spotlight: Aicha Power & Possibility Alumni: Aysia Building a New Girl City Crowns & Confetti Showers Visual Storytelling Memory Lab at Governors Island Growing Curiosity Social Justice in Action Full STEAM Ahead Artists in the House Dreaming a World for Change Healing-Centered Practices and Spaces Alumni: Sonia Center for Wellbeing & Happiness Our Staff Partners & Supporters Financial Snapshot Funders
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415
Highlights
Youth enrolled in Girls Club programs.
235
(6-8 week) courses offered.
120
Paid internships and mentoring opportunities for members and alumni.
2,500
Community members served monthly through our Food Pantry.
1,305
Adult members enrolled at our Center for Wellbeing & Happiness.
One Year Anniversary of our Center for Wellbeing & Happiness!
“Girls Club teaches you how to be yourself, how to be comfortable in your own skin, how to just love who you are, love your planet, care about your neighborhood, your people, your voice...” F JIBEH, GIRLS CLUB ALUM 4
A Note from Our Executive Director Dear Friends, During these challenging and often
while leading program development, ensuring
heartbreaking times, I am constantly reminded
that offerings are inclusive, accessible, and
of hope and joy every day at The Lower
community-led. Members across all genders
Eastside Girls Club and Center for Wellbeing
and generations have the opportunity to
& Happiness (CWBH). From harvesting
access healing-centered programming and
heirloom tomatoes on our Rooftop Farm to
strengthen their connectivity with others.
finding their passion for the Arts and STEM, our members are exploring and collaborating in a space that honors their uniqueness and creativity. Thanks to the support and enrichment they access daily, our members are thriving. They are developing lifelong skill-sets, receiving awards and scholarships, and building nurturing relationships with peers, mentors, and staff. Your sustained support and belief in our mission make it all possible. Together, we are making an impact.
In 2023 we offered innovative new programs and expanded and deepened our partnerships, which has grown our membership at the Girls Club and CWBH. We are addressing the mental health crisis by increasing our counseling offerings, expanding our Mentoring program, and providing personalized support for CWBH members through our Wellness Coordinator. We prioritize creating a safe space where young people can dream big, find their passions, connect to peers and careers,
2023 has been a year of radical imagination
and where their families and community
and transformation for our organization. This
transform self-care into community care.
summer, my beloved Co-Executive Director, Ebonie Simpson, returned to her government roots to pursue her Masters in Public Policy at Princeton. She truly is the manifestation of the Girls Club, following her dream and creating a more just and equitable world.
I have seen the Girls Club through 27 years of transformation, and I could not be more optimistic for our future. Thank you for opening doors, joining the movement, and collectively shifting the narrative. Your gift contributes to the change we want to see
As we look back on this pivotal year, we have
in the world, brightening the future for us
so much to celebrate. Our first year of the
all. Together, we are making a difference
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness (CWBH) has
and driving meaningful change. We hope
been an unequivocal success as we welcomed
you feel our Joy, Power and Possibility!
Michelle Grier as CWBH Director. Michelle brings years of experience and expertise in Social Work, nonprofit leadership, as well as racial and gender justice advocacy. At the CWBH, she supports our members and staff
Sincerely,
Jenny Dembrow Lower Eastside Girls Club, Executive Director
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Lower Eastside Girls Club Since 1996, the Lower Eastside Girls Club has supported young women and gender-expansive youth of color throughout New York City in leveraging their inner power to shape a better future for themselves, their community, and the world. Through free, year-round, innovative programming we connect young people with their passions, celebrate their curiosity, and channel their creative energy. In 2022, we expanded our mission and service population with the Center for Wellbeing and Happiness. Together, we are building a just and equitable future filled with “Joy, Power, and Possibility” and where we “Transform Self-Care into Community Care.”
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness The Center for Wellbeing and Happiness (CWBH) is our 5,000 ft2 space adjacent to the Girls Club on Avenue D, which serves as a wellness hub for all generations and genders. We provide free programs and services rooted in the comprehensive care of the whole human-being. Our programming focuses on the physical, emotional, social, economic, environmental, educational, and structural realities of the people living in the Lower East Side. The Center was born out of the recognition that providing care to members' families and the community supports the health and wellness of Girls Club members. When our families thrive our members thrive. At the CWBH, we welcome the knowledge exchange passed down over generations and gained through life experiences. Our programming is informed by LES community members, with over 30 instructors who live, work, or grew up on the Lower East Side (or similar neighborhoods) holding classes and workshops throughout the year.
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It’s helped me become the young, independent woman that I am — and to discover my love for audio production and music tech, which I want to do for the rest of my life.” AMERIQUE, GIRLS CLUB ALUM
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“Coming to Girls Club has impacted me in the biggest way imaginable.
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“I am so blessed to have come across this place. Honestly. This was a long time coming and I have been very fortunate to discover it.” F CWBH WELLNESS COACHING PARTICIPANT
Our History 1996
p In a neighborhood with three Boys Clubs, the Girls Club launched with a community celebration at Theater for the New City.
1998
p Rented our first space in the back of a 99-cent store on Avenue D. Programs soon expanded to over two dozen locations in the Lower East Side.
2000
p Started our first international partnership with Stsebetik Bolom, a young women’s activism and photography collective in Chiapas, Mexico.
p Joined the Million Mom March for Gun Control in Washington D.C.
p Rented a commercial kitchen and launched our first entrepreneurial venture: the Sweet Things Bake Shop.
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2002
p Started our first Farmers Market on Avenue D at the future site of the Girls Club’s Center for Community facility.
2003
p Opened our first art gallery, digital photography lab, and podcasting studio at our storefront office on E. 1st Street.
p Marched against the Iraq War in NYC and DC. Visited the Coalition of Immokalee Farm Workers in Florida.
2010
p Broke ground for our Center for Community on Avenue D.
2013
p Opened our 35,000 sq. ft. Center for Community facility.
2016
p Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited the Girls Club.
2017
p Participated in the Women’s March in Washington D.C.
2018
p Launched New Girl City: Agents of Change, a citywide civic engagement and leadership initiative.
p Michelle Obama visited the Girls Club for an intimate lunch and conversation with members.
2019
2021
p Celebrated our 25 Anniversary th
Gala, honoring Stacey Abrams.
2022
p Opened the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness facility.
2023
p Celebrated One Year of the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, over 100+ programs, workshops, and classes and 1,300 members enrolled!
p Our Co-Executive Director Ebonie Simpson returned to her government roots to pursue a Masters in Public Policy at Princeton — and transitioned into a consulting role as a strategic advisor.
p Acquired 5,000 ft . for our Center 2
for Wellbeing & Happiness facility.
p Hosted Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight Action, an organization founded by Abrams to combat voter suppression.
2020
p Provided critical pandemic relief to our community, including the distribution of over 50,000 meals to Lower East Side residents.
p Launched our Center for Wellbeing & Happiness Virtual Hub.
p Welcomed Ebonie Simpson and Jenny Dembrow as our Co-Executive Directors.
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92%
92%
of members feel the Girls Club gives them a sense of sisterhood and group identity.
of members report having a voice and choice at Girls Club.
100%
100%
of members report exploring and expanding their interests.
of members would recommend the Girls Club to a friend.
100%
of members report trying new things at the Girls Club.
92%
of members feel valued and heard at Girls Club.
92%
of members experience more social connectedness and friendship through the Girls Club.
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100%
of members feel safe and supported at the Girls Club.
83%
of members report that the Girls Club provides opportunities to explore their own cultures, identities, and histories.
95%
of members improved key social-emotional capacities including: self-management, engagement, academic self-efficacy, positive identity, and social skills
92%
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of High School participants report an increased interest in civics and political activism.
100%
of members enjoy healthy afterschool meals, wellness workshops and our Rooftop Farm.
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Making an Impact The Girls Club supports our members along the journey toward a life of Joy, Power and Possibility. We integrate research-based positive youth development practices that demonstrate socialemotional learning outcomes that correlate with long-term gains and increased life-long thriving. We use Hello Insight, an online learning and evaluation platform, to measure and assess impact.
Empowerment Members strengthen social-emotional capacities, demonstrating confidence, purpose, perseverance, and a solid sense of self. They can navigate the world and take action to change it.
Passion and Joy Members thrive as they explore interests, discover and pursue their creative passions, take risks, collaborate, communicate their ideas, and fulfill their potential.
Meaningful Access to Resources Members connect with the resources, opportunities and social support they need to heal, envision a future, and set a path forward to achieve their dreams.
Social Connectedness Members experience solidarity and a sense of belonging, strengthen social skills, build supportive peer groups, and authentically engage with staff.
Health & Wellbeing Members practice physical, mental and emotional self-care and develop habits for lifelong health.
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Our Community on The Lower Eastside Girls Club Center for
The 415 youth (aged 10–23) who attended
Community and Center for Wellbeing &
the Girls Club in 2023, including our New
Happiness facilities are located on Avenue
Girl City initiative, reflect the diverse
D between East 7th and 8th Streets in
demographics of New York City. Our youth
Manhattan, NYC. The Lower East Side is one
members identify as Black (35%), Latinx
of the most densely populated and ethnically
(30%), Multiracial (22%), Asian (10%), and
diverse neighborhoods in New York City,
White (3%). A majority reside in NYCHA public
with approximately 141,066 residents.1
housing.6 Many of our particpants come from immigrant families and over 10 languages and
Our Community District (CD3) currently has the
dialects are spoken among our members.
highest income diversity rate of any community district in New York City.1 The population
Each day, our members enter the Girls Club
living within the census tracts surrounding our
and step into a world filled with joy, power
facility2 identify as Latinx (44%), Black (14%),
and possibility. Inside our doors, members
Asian (16%), White (22%), and Multiracial
have access to Art, Design, Digital Media
3
(4%). Among Latinx residents, 74% identify as
and Sound Studios, a STEM lab, a Maker
4
Puerto Rican and 16% Dominican. The median
Shop, Environmental Education Lab, the East
household income is $31,105.4 45% of residents
Village Planetarium, a Culinary Education
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report an income below $25,000 and 52.4% of youth are living below the poverty line.
Center, Movement Space, Rooftop Farm, and
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all the programming to go along with it.
44%
Community Demographics Around the Girls Club Latinx Black / African-American / African Asian
White Multiracial
22% 14%
16%
4%
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1.
NYC Manhattan Community District 3 Needs Statement 2025
2.
Census Tracts: 22.01, 22.02, 10.02, 20,24, 26.01, 26.02, 28
3.
2020 Census NYC Population Fact Finder. Census Tracts: 22.01, 22.02, 10.02, 20,24, 26.01, 26.02, 28
4.
2015-2019-American Community Survey. (2022). NYC Population Fact Finder. Census Tracts: 22.01, 22.02, 10.02, 20,24, 26.01, 26.02, 28
the Lower East Side In 2022, the Girls Club expanded our facility to include the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, offering free healing-centered programming that addresses the full spectrum of the social determinants of health. The Center for Wellbeing & Happiness recognizes that health is a product of where we are born, grow, work, live, and play. By implementing the social determinants of health model into our programming, we are supporting the community holistically through physical, social, emotional and economic wellness. The Center for Wellbeing extends our wrap-around wellness services to all genders and generations on the Lower East Side, serving 1,305 registered members. 47% of our CWBH members identify as Latinx, 25% identify as Black, 8% identify
“This Center has a unique opportunity to really activate conversations on how we radically imagine what this community looks like years from now.” F TAREAKE CWBH COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DORILL
as Asian, 10% as White, and 10% as Other or Unknown. 82% of members identify as female, 16% identify as male, 1% as non-binary, and 1 % prefer not to identify their gender. 10 languages are spoken among adult members at The Center, with English and Spanish being the primary languages.
Lower Eastside Girls Club Membership
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness Membership
3% 10%
10% Latinx Black Asian
Latinx
35% 22%
Asian
White Multiracial
5.
Black
10% 8%
47%
White
30%
Other/Unknown
25%
2015-2019-American Community Survey. (2022). NYC Population Fact Finder. Census Tracts: 22.01, 22.02, 10.02, 20,24, 26.01, 26.02, 28
6.
The Lower East Side community has some of the most historic and extensive public housing tracts in the city. New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) owns and manages over 14,900 units of low-income housing in the LES. See: NYC Manhattan Community District 3 Needs Statement 2025
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THIS YEAR GIRLS CLUB OFFERED CLASSES IN... ACCESSORIES INTENSIVE, ADVANCED SEWING, AFTERNOON SHOW, ANALOG PRINTING, ANIMATION, ARTS, AVENUE DJS, BATH & BODY, BATIK & NATURAL DYES, BEGINNER PHOTOGRAPHY, BEGINNER SEWING, BRACELETS, CAPTURING MEMORIES, CHIBI PAPER DOLLS, CHOREOGRAPHY, CLAY ART, COLLAGING, COLORS, COMPOSTING, COOL FOOD CREATORS, COTTAGECORE, CRAFTS, CREATIVE STORYTELLING, CREATIVITY SKILLS, CROCHETING, CULINARY, CURATE + CREATE, DANCE, DIY SKIN CARE, DOCUMENTARY FILM, ECO DANCE REVOLUTION, ENVIRONMENTAL PODCASTING, FAIRY HOUSE HAVEN, FASHION, FESTIVAL & COSTUME MAKEUP, FILM PRODUCTION, FOOD SCIENCE, GALA PERFORMANCE COLLABORATION, GARDEN TRANSFORMATIONS, GARDENING AND SEASONAL HARVEST, GROWNISH, HEALTHY LIVING, HER HAIR STORIES, HERBALISM, HERSTORY: PHOTO YEARBOOK, HOMEGOODS, INTRO TO GARDENING, JEWELRY MAKING, JUICING, LEARN TO PAINT, LIT LIFE, MAKER SHOP, MEDIA 101, MIXED MEDIA, MONSTER PIÑATAS, MULTIMEDIA, MURAL PAINTING, MUSIC, MUSIC ENSEMBLE, MUSIC PRODUCTION, NATURAL DYES, NATURAL MATERIALS ART, NATURE DISCOVERY, NEW GIRL CITY, ONE SQUARE MILE PHOTOGRAPHY, PAINTING, PASTRY MAKING, PERMACULTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, PODCAST POWER, PRE-TEEN + TEEN RESTORATIVE CIRCLES, PREPARING THE GARDEN, RECYCLED PAPER ART, SCREEN TO STREAM, SEWING, SEWING: BAG DESIGN, SHOWTIME PRODUCTION, SONGWRITING, STARS CITYWIDE GIRLS INITIATIVE, STEM MAKER, STENCIL ART, SUMMER BAND, SUMMER SPROUTS, THE NAMEPLATE: DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY, THE SCENIC ROUTE, TIKTOK DANCE, URBAN AGRICULTURE, V E G A N C O O K I N G , V I R T UA L R E A L I T Y C R E ATO R S , VISUAL ART: THE SELF, YOUNG CHEFS, ZINE-MAKING
Programs
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“I feel a real sense of community and support from the teachers who work here. It’s always coming in here, seeing a smiling face, and being able to relax and learn something new.” F EMILY, GIRLS CLUB MEMBER
Alumna Spotlight: Aicha Aicha's path led her from a dedicated, long-time member of the Girls Club to pursuing her passion in Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University's esteemed Newhouse School of Public Communication. She was honored with the HEOP Reinventing Scholarship Award and graduated in May of 2023. Beyond her academic pursuits, Aicha has extended her influence through a sustained relationship with Know Your Rights Camp (KYRC), a self-empowerment program for Black and Brown Communities founded by Colin Kaepernick. KYRC is also a long-time Girls Club partner. Aicha attended Know Your Rights Camp activations with the Girls Club before serving as
“Finding the Girls Club helped my daughter get her self-esteem back. She found love with the women there: the mentors and friends she found who provided her with information and resources… Girls Club gave me and my daughter hope. She had her mind and spirit exposed to all different sorts of activities.
platform, addressing critical community topics, from
My daughter is an artist by nature, so she loves all of the art classes she can take. The Girls Club is one of the best things that has ever happened to us.”
politics to current events, with a primary focus on
F GIRLS CLUB PARENT
a facilitator, and worked alongside KYRC staff as an alumna. We are delighted that she is a featured guest on the inaugural episode of the KYRC podcast, launched in November 2023. This podcast promises to be a powerful
empowering youth voices in the public sphere.
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“My mentor experience has taught me to not be afraid to open up and create new connections ... there are people out there who support you in anything you do.” F mentee
Power & Possibility Our GROWNISH class for High School students
In addition to career exploration, our High
focuses on career exploration by learning what,
School members took several college
how, and why, directly from professionals.
tours, visiting: Bryn Mawr College, Temple
Members learn both in- and outside of the
University, New York University, City College
classroom through immersive experiences.
of New York, and Yale University.
This year, we visited architecture firm Artisan
After a pandemic pause, our long-standing
Alliance, Magnolia Bakery, and everything in between. We had one-on-one speed mentoring sessions with Glossier, interviewed fashion icons Dapper Dan and Patricia Fields, explored creative entrepreneurship with DJ Jasmine Solano, and studied career pathways in journalism at The New
relaunched with a bang in early 2023. 45 students were paired with a mentor and together they participated in curated events, workshops and museum visits around New York City.
York Times. All in all, we explored 28 different job
Girls Club facilitated a 6-month career
titles and an endless array of career possibilities.
mentorship program in partnership with Tiffany & Co.’s African Brilliance Collective
2023 Site Visits included: Artisan Alliance, Athleta, ENVSN Fest, Guggenheim Museum, H&M, Hoop York City, KITH, L’Enchanteur, Magnolia Bakery, Patricia Fields, Peoplehood, Sandrine Charles Consulting, The New York Times
85%
of High School members report leaving with greater career knowledge and workplace-readiness skills.
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Middle and High School Mentoring program
and Women + Allies Employee Resource Group. This program provided one-on-one mentoring for our alumni, ages 18–28. With their mentors, alumni explored career pathways and received college support and general guidance.
92%
of High School members improved college-specific socio-emotional capacities including College Outlook and Goal Orientation.
92%
of High School members report that the Girls Club helps them envision their future.
Alumni: Aysia Years at Girls Club: 2007–2017 I am an entrepreneur and have created my own company, Jinsi’s Bakeshop. I also work with two catering companies. When I first started with the Girls Club, I built so many friendships. To this day, we are still
“I learned that a mentor can be a guide through life and pushes you to be the best person you can be.” F KRISTHANY, MENTEE
friends. I learned a lot of skills at the Girls Club and discovered my talents. The sheer variety of different activities the Girls Club had to offer was beyond anything I could ask for. I've had a passion for baking since I was a child. When I was 12, I took my first culinary class at the Girls Club and we baked lemon cookies. I remember they were the best lemon cookies I'd ever had in my life. I started Jinsi's Bakeshop in 2022 and sell a variety of treats including Tres Leches cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, as well as decadent olive oil cakes. I bake gluten-free and vegan desserts, as well. I stay connected with the Girls Club and use their Culinary Center when I need to shoot content for my business. I also collaborate with the girls and teach them how to bake. In the future, I hope to offer my catering services to the Girls Club for events.
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“I was inspired by attending the Women’s History Month event at City Hall — listening to inspiring women of color speak of their success, and how they create change.” F NEW GIRL CITY PARTICIPANT
100% of New Girl City participants report a likelihood to vote.
Building a New Girl City New Girl City, our city-wide civic leadership initiative, engages
95%
youth from across the city for learning, networking, and action.
of New Girl City
and political interest among youth over the course of five months.
participants report opportunities to work
Launched in 2018, New Girl City aims to increase civic engagement Embodying this year's theme of Release, Remix and Restore: Transforming our local, state and national government
on group projects
to meet the needs and wants of our communities,
and collaboratively
members explored ways they can inspire change in their
problem solve.
communities via public policy and social justice.
Pass That Bill
100%
& Music instructor, Dani Murcia, created “Pass That Bill,” a song
of NGC participants
and music video inspired by the iconic School House Rock song,
demonstrated
“I’m Just A Bill.” “Pass That Bill” informs and educates listeners
gains in leadership
about the importance of passing the C.R.O.W.N. Act in every
capacities such as:
state, while inspiring everyone to celebrate their natural hair. We
Advocating for Change,
also hosted a screening of “CROWN: A CBS Sports Documentary”
Confidence to Mobilize,
with Director Sarah M. Kazadi-Ndoye. Sarah also serves as
and Sociopolitical
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Our incredible New Girl City participants, along with our Sound
Participation.
Senior Producer and head of Race & Culture Unit at CBS Sports.
“Girls Club was one of the first ways I learned about using your voice to express any type of opinion you have. The first marches I went to were advocating for girls’ rights when I was 8 years old. It’s really important that we have a space like this — and that we maintain a space like this — because young girls need support, and this is a place of support.” F MIRETTE, GIRLS CLUB MEMBER
“I learned that we have a voice that we should use to create a brighter future.” F NGC PARTICIPANT
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Crowns & Confetti Showers In Spring 2023, the Council of Fashion Designers
Block Party. Inspired by the themes of “royalty,”
of America (CFDA) and Accessories Council, with
“marching band,” and “flower power,” members
support from Elaine Gold Foundation, partnered
developed concepts, sketched designs, and
for the Launch Pad Program with the Girls Club.
applied practical sewing and design skills to
Through this program, three early-phase, BIPOC,
create stunning pieces! They learned new
female designers received mentorship from
techniques such as appliqué and quilting, and
industry professionals and, in turn, mentored
hand-sewed flowers for dresses and tote bags.
our youth fashion designers at the Girls Club.
Our End of Summer Block Party + Showcase was
The designers provided guidance in our
filled with joy and confetti! The Showcase was
Jewelry and Sewing design classes and
a beautiful close to a summer of creativity and
members handcrafted crowns and zero-
collaboration. Our members celebrated their
waste bags. Thank you to designers Eva
amazing work alongside family, friends, and
and Yvette Estime of Dirty Celebrity, Liselle
Girls Club staff. Full of fashion runway moments,
Kiss, and Madelen Nyau of Titan Studio.
an incredible dance performance, DJ sets,
Students in our Sewing class designed and created pieces to strut on the runway at our
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podcast interviews, girl-made piñatas — it may have been our best summer celebration yet!
“I have a lot more respect for people in the fashion industry now that I’m actually making a dress on my own. Not only that, but I have skills that I can take with me forever, like knowing how to hand-sew and how to use a machine. I can expand my selfexpression.” F BEVERLY
Hair Stories Our Literacy Program came together to present their “Her Hair Stories” zine at the incredible SALON in Williamsburg; the first salon & library dedicated to hair research. “Her Hair Stories” a collection of short stories and other writings created by members, explores their relationship with hair and identity. At the book party, members performed readings of their stories. “Her Hair Stories” is now available in the SALON library, and online!
“When I wear my hair out, I feel like sunshine because I am me and no one can be me! I feel like I could walk down the street and not get made fun of, or talked about, because I feel powerful!” F LANESE
“I really felt like the theme of 'royalty' aligned with Girls Club’s motto: women’s empowerment, respect, integrity, community love. We have that in this classroom, so it’s very nice to work together to create these pieces.” F BEVERLY
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Visual Storytelling In Spring 2023, we partnered with WORTHLESS
During Black History Month, the Girls Club
STUDIOS and their FREE FILM: NYC initiative.
and CWBH collaborated for Moments of Joy: A
Through this partnership, an Airstream trailer-
Community Photo Project celebrating the lives
turned-mobile darkroom was parked in front of
of Black & Brown residents on the Lower East
our facility and served as a hub for community-
Side. Community members used disposable
building and creativity. Empowering our youth
cameras to create photos inside the home,
and local residents of all ages to delve into their
around the neighborhood, with loved ones,
passion for photography, free rolls of 35mm black
sharing meals, playing, laughing, and grieving
and white film were distributed to the community.
—intimate moments. The photos were featured in a slideshow during a special event for the
Destiny Mata, Girls Club Photography instructor,
community and curated in albums for members to
was selected to serve as Artist-In-Residence
take home. The photographers spoke about their
for the initiative and catalyzed an inspirational
experiences creating the images, the importance
month. She led photography walks with the
of being more present, and finding joy in daily life.
community, inspired the next generation to develop a love for film, and encouraged
RECUERDOS DE LO•I•SAI•DA Exhibition
people to share the story of their community
In March, the Girls Club launched a photography
through their lens. Middle and High School
exhibition in partnership with Nuevayorkinos,
students had hands-on experience capturing
a digital archive project preserving New York
and developing their images in the mobile
City's Latinx culture through media. Visitors
darkroom. The images have been exhibited
had the opportunity to bring photos from
in a variety of locations, including the Art on
home to scan at a scanning station. This
Paper Fair and MetLife office in Midtown.
exhibition celebrated the collective beauty, love, and resiliency of Black-Latin-Caribbean New York through photos and stories.
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“My art is being with my community… my process is being with my neighbors and students” F DESTINY MATA, GIRLS CLUB PHOTO INSTRUCTOR
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Memory Lab at Governors Island As an organization supporting young women and
enabled visitors to write notes to loved ones and
gender-expansive youth of color, their families,
strangers and contribute memories to the house.
and their community, the Lower Eastside Girls Club recognizes the importance of honoring our histories to radically imagine a brighter future.
“The Pantry,” an exhibit by Erikka Electra James, Girls Club Director of Programs, was created as an intimate space where memories are
Memory Lab, our 5-month residency on
stored and shared. Inspired by the journeys of
Governors Island, explored the inner workings
old dishes, this room asked visitors to reflect
of nostalgia and celebrated our family
on how we share stories through the passing
histories through storytelling. Showcasing
of plates. Blank dishware was filled with
a culmination of work by students and
beautiful memories of food, stories of shared
instructors displayed in interactive rooms, this
meals and the warmth of traditions passed
exhibit evoked collective memory through
from visitors from across New York City.
photography, story-sharing, sound, archival textiles, childhood games, and media.
Memory Lab visitors also enjoyed using our photo booth, which was handmade by one of
Our house on Governors Island was filled with
our instructors. Other workshops included:
visual and multimedia art created by our youth
Porch Podcasting, Clothing Repair 101,
and artists in our community. Each room in
Crafting and Working With Natural Dyes.
the house shared an important story. Visitors of all ages were invited to explore and leave
Beyond the house itself, Sound Studio instructor,
their mark on the installation. Throughout the
Emma Camell, hosted Sound Walks where
residency, Girls Club offered opportunities
participants immersed themselves in Governors
for youth and community to engage with the
Island’s rich soundscape while learning about
ever-changing exhibit. Interactive displays
biophonic, geophonic, and anthrophonic sound.
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Growing Curiosity
“Building a more sustainable future for New York City must start with environmental education opportunities for young people.” F ASSEMBLY MEMBER HARVEY EPSTEIN, GIRLS CLUB GREENHOUSE RIBBON CUTTING
We may live in NYC, but that never stops us from getting curious about nature! Our Rooftop Farm serves as an outdoor learning lab where members engage in the magic of plants and our environment. Members explore gardening basics and agricultural sciences while gaining insight into sustainable practices. We are increasing our crop production with new garden beds that provide organic and pesticide-free food for our Culinary and Food Science programs, our members, and the larger community. With support from New York Restoration Project, we added a Greenhouse and are now better equipped to grow all our crops from seed to create a more sustainable cycle in our food production, while also allowing us to explore season-extension in the future. This year, members have explored the healing and medicinal properties of plants, as well as the history and philosophy of herbal medicine. We foraged a variety of herbs and native plants from the Girls Club Rooftop Farm and nearby parks, and used them to make herbal remedies, oils, and tisanes for everyday use. Our Fashion & Natural Dyes class experimented with dying everything from funky socks to sheets utilizing avocado pits, turmeric, corn meal to create vibrant colors, as well as learning traditional techniques such as Batik printing.
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Social Justice in Action In June, we honored National Gun
injured by gunfire. 588 of these handmade
Violence Awareness Month by asking our
boxes are currently on display at the Girls Club.
members and alumnae to express how gun violence has impacted them, through art. Girls Club alum, Krista Lamar, created a stunning design advocating against guns for our t-shirt design competition.
The Afternoon Show, an ongoing Girls Club series inspired by late-night TV, provides students with experience in various aspects of audio-visual production. The episodes feature interviews with special guests, musical performances,
We also partnered with Soul Box Project in an
comedy writing, and unique skits & segments,
effort to engage our community and address the
and are broadcast on public access television
devastating effects of gun violence. Soul Box
across three boroughs. In Spring 2023, The
is a national project with more than 200,000
Afternoon Show team received the prestigious
origami boxes created by people across the
BRIC B Free Award for Excellence in Community
U.S. Each Box represents a person killed or
Media, specifically in the B Young category.
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Full STEAM Ahead With support from Made in New York Animation's
In our East Village Planetarium Lab, we offered
team, members dreamed collaboratively and
our first Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented
created an immersive video game concept:
Reality (AR) course using open-source software
PLANET GIRLS CLUB, an intergalatic quest
through our partnership with NDOTO Studios.
to find acceptance. They were awarded
Members learned about the intricacies of this
"Best Game Concept" at the Made in New
type of software, the practical applications of
York Animation Showcase and one of our
AR and VR, and utilized AR technology to create
members, Ameya, was invited to attend a
media projects with transposed images.
Pre-College 2D Animation Course at SVA.
In addition to hosting school groups regularly
In the Maker Shop, members explored various
in our Planetarium, we have provided an array
STEAM topics, such as circuitry through
of free STEAM programs for the general public.
soldering simple circuits, 3D design and tool
Such events have included our Community
training, and developing woodworking skills.
Science Day with Planetary ReaCH of NASA
Members also coded with LEGO robotics kits
and the American Natural History Museum,
and experimented with 3D printing design
as well as a Planetarium show featuring the
using TinkerCAD to bridge their understanding
Northern Lights, “Résonances Boréales,”
of analog concepts in a digital world.
with pianist and composer Roman Zavada and and Jazzstronomy with Marc Wagnon Trio.
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Artists in the House With generous support from the MetLife Foundation, the Girls Club’s Alphabet City Art School expanded our offerings this year while adding new artists and
Neta Bomani, our Artist in Residence for Spring
“The Girls Club has been a huge factor in how I discovered my interests & passions”
2023, combined archives, printmaking, and
F ELSA, GIRLS CLUB ALUM
educators to our staff. We also hosted engaging artist talks and memorable exhibitions throughout the year.
Artists-in-Residence
zines to explore Black Feminist philosophies while teaching classes at the Girls Club. Neta’s workshops explored the meaning of zines and how to use zines as a form of self-expression. Our Fall Artist in Residence was Daisy Ruiz: a Bronx-born illustrator and writer best known for her award-winning comic, Gordita: Built Like This, and her Paper Doll series. Daisy's stories and illustrations take inspiration from early 2000s nostalgia, her East Coast Chicana upbringing, and New York City. “Through the grime and grind of my life in The Bronx, my art reimagines my experiences and surroundings through a lens of enchantment. My work persists to see the beauty and magic of everyday life in the hood despite the grim realities of low-income living.” As part of her residency, Daisy led a Middle School class about the art of the paper doll. Students bridged the digital and physical world by designing and printing their own dolls, incorporating clothing and environments not typically included in traditional paper doll sets. Students created customized paper dolls inspired by important people in their life, including family members, teachers, and friends. These "Chibi Paper Dolls" were exhibited at the Girls Club alongside Daisy's work in December 2023.
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Artist Talks Cassandra Mayela & Josefina Santos Textiles and Photography Textile artist Cassandra Mayela and photographer Josefina Santos joined us in conversation about their expansive artistic practices that channel themes of immigration, place, identity, and cultural memory. Sonia Louise Davis • Painting and Textiles Sonia Louise Davis discussed paintings in the context of her research on vocal performance. With a background in Black Studies and Jazz, Sonia makes textiles, mixed media art, and artist books. Sonia charmed audience members with humor while describing her unusual approach (and journey) to visual art. Keenan MacWilliam & Courtney Sofiah Yates Photography and Filmmaking Keenan MacWilliam and Courtney Sofiah Yates described their artistic practices and offered personal advice regarding working in the creative industry. Laraaji • Sound & Laughter Activist The legendary sound & laughter activist Laraaji hosted a special meditation and laughter workshop, transforming our Planetarium into a space for peace & gratitude. Ali Rosa-Salas, Mellány Sánchez & Jessica Gonsalves • Creative Professionals Three powerhouse artists integral to the Lower East Side community joined us for an evening of conversation on fashion, art, and culture.
“I am a self-taught mixed-media artist and Girls Club alumni. My goal is to bring color and detail back to NYC. I hope to explore life and grow, reflecting that in my art, my way.” F GIRLS CLUB ALUM
Exhibitions & Events • Nuevayorkinos Exhibition • February–June 2023 • Governors Island Residency • May–October 2023 • Art on Paper • September 2023 • MetLife Foundation Art Show • September 2023 • Daisy Ruiz, Chibi Paper Dolls • December 2023
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Dreaming a World for Change Bridging Sustainability, Activism & the Arts This Fall, our high school MoMA Internship class installed their exhibition, Dreaming a World for Change, at MoMA's Creativity Lab. Through resources and activities designed by our members, MoMA visitors can learn about urban gardening, climate, and social justice practices at the Girls Club (and beyond). Dreaming a World is an extension of our Growing Abolition program, a three-year collaboration with artist and activist jackie sumell, which explores the connections between ecology and prison abolition. As part of the MoMA exhibition, we facilitated an Abolitionist’s Tea Party with artist jackie sumell in November 2023. Participants at the sold-out event circled up, tasted, felt, and smelled plants grown on our Rooftop Farm and engaged in a conversation about what plants teach us about abolition, healing, and dreaming a world for change. We invite everyone to view the installation at MoMA’s Creativity Lab, on view through March 10, 2024.
How can we dream of a world that is ecologically just, and rooted in equity, for all forms of life? 30
“Girls Club teaches you how to be yourself, how to be comfortable in your own skin, how to just love who you are, love your planet, care about your neighborhood, your people, your voice, and so many things.”
“I probably learned more from my mentee than she learned from me.” F GIRLS CLUB MENTOR
F JIBEH, GIRLS CLUB ALUM
“Girls Club is a safe space for everyone to learn and to grow. It helped me to trust other people.” F LANESE
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Healing-Centered Practices and Spaces Creating safe, supportive spaces for our
of nourishing their physical, social, and mental
members is the heart of Girls Club's mission.
wellness. These classes are centered on the
Our Wellness and Performing Arts Department,
belief that BIPOC youth deserve liberating
led by Jaimé Yawa Dzandu, provides Dance,
spaces of restoration and exploration. Members
Choreography, Teen Restorative Circle,
access the tools, knowledge, and support
and Herbalism classes, which facilitate
necessary to face challenges ahead.
transformative experiences for youth to holistically engage around wellness.
We provide a range of supports and healing practices for parents and caregivers at the
Girls Club members engage in a variety of
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness. Rise, a
creative self-care practices, create healthy
community partner, offers a Parent-to-Peer
habits for years to come, deepen their sense
Supporter program. This training course is
of agency over their own bodies, and feel a
created by, and for, parents, families, and
sense of belonging. Through performance,
community members impacted by the child
they explore their voice, curiosity, and creative
welfare system. The goal is to build meaningful
impulses while learning how their bodies can be
social connection and supportive peer networks.
powerful agents of change. We gather in circles
“Rise has helped me learn a lot more about myself,
to learn with (and from) each other through
to be more outspoken, to be more involved, not
guided discussions, sharing experiences, and
just with my family, but other families as well. I’m
asking questions. Members discover their
learning as I grow … it’s helped get me to a place
strengths, learn to cultivate mindfulness in
where I can be helpful for women who feel like
their daily life, and understand the importance
they don't have a voice.” — Tanya, Rise participant
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“I needed a connection with women that could help me find my voice. Peer support helped me learn my voice and know that my voice matters.” F TANYA
Alumni: Sonia Years at Girls Club: 2008–2016 BA John Jay College, CUNY MA Brooklyn College, CUNY I currently work as a Care Navigator in the Mental Health field. I hold clinical consultation with clients connecting them to care and resources based on their mental health needs. At the Girls Club, I learned to feel Mamahood Meetup at CWBH offers a space
empowered and that women deserve
for new moms to gather to share, learn, and
a voice in the world. The Girls Club
find support through this unpredictable yet
offered me a safe space to grow as a
heartwarming chapter of life. It’s a space free
young Latina in the Lower East Side. I
from judgment where moms can connect, find
learned entrepreneurship skills, and
solace in shared experiences, and navigate the challenges of parenting side-by-side. This thoughtful initiative was sparked by Joalis Silva, a cherished CWBH and Girls Club instructor,
how to network with professional women. I continue to draw upon these skills in my adult life. I formed friendships at the Girls Club
who is also a new mother. “We kept telling new
that I know will last a lifetime. There are
moms, ‘Hey, there’s a breastfeeding support
girls I met in 2008 with whom I still keep
group. They meet every month,” says Joalis.
in touch today. It’s beautiful to always have those friendships and support.
“We kept adding new moms, then before we
I am now a mom of a beautiful baby
knew it, it was a party. Our babies are growing
girl and attend the Mamahood Meetup
every month. We’re seeing things and reaching
offered at the Center for Wellbeing
different milestones together. When you’re a
& Happiness every Saturday. It’s
mom, especially a first-time mom, you feel like
an opportunity for mothers to get
you’re alone. In this group, it felt like somebody
together, spend time with their babies,
gets it. Somebody’s right there with me.”
and share our parenting journey.
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“The wellness program here allows us to be free, and that’s why I teach. When my students come in here, it’s a safe haven. We groove, we dance, we have fun … and that’s what we do.” F SHARICE, CWBH INSTRUCTOR
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness
Workforce Development & Financial Wellness In partnership with Stacks + Joules, an organization offering workforce development certifications in green technology, CWBH hosted the first all-womens’ cohort of the
Our first year of the Center for Wellbeing &
HVAC training program. After completing
Happiness has been a great success. We
180 hours of training and connecting
launched our Community Advisory Board
with employers, 8 graduates were ready
as a partner in designing our programming
for the next step of their journey in a
and implementing community engagement
growing field which can deliver family-
strategies. We hired 30 instructors — all of
sustaining wages. All participants in
whom live, work, or grew up on the Lower
the program received a stipend.
East Side, from all walks of life — who
In addition, 12 women graduated from our
lead classes designed to reach community
Mama Glow Doula Homeschool training
members. Currently, 1,305 community
program. Participants received full
members are enrolled at The Center!
scholarships and a stipend for participation.
Our most popular classes have included
In the Spring, we partnered with Beats by
movement classes such as Zumba, Tai Chi,
Girlz NYC to host “Making It in the Music
and Find Your Groove, as well as Knitting,
Industry," a panel on expanding gender
Creative Writing, and English Conversation.
equity in the music business. We hosted representatives from the New York State
The Center’s Food Farmacy offered an array
Office of Cannabis Management (OCM),
of bilingual culinary and nutrition classes
who offered two community presentations
in addition to expanding our Weekly Food
about entrepreneurship and business
Pantry. The Pantry serves an average of
development opportunities in the industry.
2,500 community members monthly and is
We also collaborated with Neighborhood
supported by more than 30 dedicated volunteers,
Trust Financial Partners to hold Financial
including Spanish and Mandarin speakers.
Wellness workshops throughout the year.
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“This place has changed my life. I took a nutrition class and I did not think I would see food in such a healing way. We learned so many things that I apply to my life on a daily basis and I can feel the changes.” F KELLIE
CWBH CLASSES IN 2023: BAILA CON LOISAIDA: SALSA & HUSTLE • BEST FACE FORWARD (BFF) • BEYOND WORDS • CAREGIVER CONNECT • CHAIR YOGA COLOR ME HAPPY • COMMUNITY KNITTING GROUP • CON SABOR • EVERYBODY FLOW YOGA • FATHERHOOD SOCIAL • FIND YOUR GROOVE DANCE AEROBICS GRANDPARENTS STORYLAB • GROWN-UP & ME COOKING • HAPPY HOOPING HEALTHY COOKING, HEALTHY FAMILIES • MAMAHOOD MEETUP • ON AIR: OUR VOICES NOW • PACE & POWER PARENT PEER CIRCLE • POWER OF PURPLE SUPPORT GROUP • REST AND RESTORE YOGA • TAI CHI • THE ARTIST IN YOU THE CREATIVE’S PATH • THE KEYS TO HEALTHY LIVING • THE WRITE STORY WE SPEAK NYC ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP • ZUMBA® FOR EVERY BODY
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Girls Club Staff & Instructors
CWBH Instructors
Kelly Adams
Amarilis Jimenez
Johanne Wilhelmsen
Mary Adams
Anurima Kumar
Nashay Williams
Ian Antoni
Jennifer Lee
Lorain Alba
Roy Bazian
Destiny Mata
AJ Bright
Lacresha Berry
Kevin McHugh
Maureen Cooke
Allison Brooks
Mia Montalvo
Gladys Cortez-Feliciano
Emma Camell
Mujahid Muhammad
Diana Diaz
Wendy Cobb
Daniela Murcia
Barbara DiGangi
Madison Colon
Li Murphy
Anthony Galindez
Quinnette Connor
Albert Nguyen
Marta Garcia
Haydee Cornelio
Eliza Owens
Denise Gumora
Hailey Cornelio
Darlene Pompa
Clara Ibarra
Kiera Del Vecchio
Miladys Ramirez
Eden Martinez
Jenny Dembrow
Nancy Rosario
Niti Parthasarathy
Lou Dembrow
Jayleen Rosario
Carmen Perez
Jaimé Yawa Dzandu
Shyvonne Sanganoo
Taquan Pugh
Sienna Fekete
Joalis Silva
Sabura Rashid
Valerie Galindo
Jennifer Sugg
Alexandra Royals
Michelle Grier
Siti Azzah Binti Syed Sultan
Roberto Sharpe
Jamila Harriott
Bessie Taliaferro
Jasmine Sharpe
Monica Hernandez
Lenora Thornton
Brianna Sumpter
Abe Hirsch
Ooi Lin Trieu
Prince Terrence
Megan Holleran
Lauren Vargas
Sharice Vadon
Shainique Jackson
Kelly Webb
Maria Valentin
Erikka James
Italy Welton
Jenna Valette
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Girls Club Board of Directors De'Ara Balenger Co-Chair
Gael Towey Co-Chair
Kimberly Aguilera Vice Chair
David Flores Wilson Treasurer
Jen Gatien
Camille C. Joseph Goldman
Anil Dash
Julie Lerner
Rosario Dawson
Nexus Sea, Esq.
Keisha Golding
Cleo Wade
Xochitl Gonzalez
Woozae Kim
Kimberley Hatchett
The Alliance Executive Committee Rachel Roderman
Claire Malloy
Emily Frost
Kerry Aronchick
Jasmine Humphrey
Alexandria Powers
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness Community Advisory Board
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Darren Carter
Michael Hinds
Charo Nespral
Tareake Dorill
Armando Martinez
Crystal Perry
Monique Flores
Tanya Minto
Kellie Preyor
Ayo Harrington
Mary Monroe
Aokeeyba Taylor
Partners & Supporters Girls Club Partners American Museum of Natural History
Center for Wellbeing & Happiness Partners
And Still We Ride
Bloomeffects
Art on Paper
Columbia School of Public Health
B&H
Community Healthcare Network
Bard High School Early College
Concerts in Motion
Beats by Girlz
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Brooklyn Book Bodega
Creatives Rebuild New York
Cafeteria Culture
For the Family NYC
Council of Fashion Designers of America
Henry Street Settlement
City-As-School
KIND
Dorill Initiative
Mama Glow Foundation
DreamYard
Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners
ENVSN Festival
New York State Office of Cannabis Management
Farm School NYC
NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Fox Fodder Farm
Rise
Hoop York City
Stacks & Joules
Know Your Rights Camp
TONIC
Lower East Side Ecology Center
University Settlement
Made In New York Magnolia Bakery MoMA MoMA PS1 NDOTO Studios New York Restoration Project Nuevayorkinos People's Institute for Survival and Beyond Popup Florist Planetary ReaCH of NASA SALON Sauti Yetu Sky High Farms Solar 1 Solitary Gardens Soul Box Project The Trust for Governors Island WORTHLESSSTUDIOS
Pro-Bono Support Beth Messich Coaching and Consulting leiman/holland search, LLC Optimist Consulting RYSQ, LLC Shearman & Sterling, LLC Seyfarth Shaw, LLP SYLVAIN SYPartners Vinson & Elkins
“The joy of being here is habit-forming. You will want to come back again and again!” SABURA
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Financial Snapshot Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023
1%
Income Corporate Foundation Individual Government Earned Income TOTAL INCOME:
$1,119,891 $1,907,421 $602,679 $918,983 $42,000
24%
13% 42%
Expenses 15%
75%
Assets
Programs Fundraising Management TOTAL EXPENSES: NET INCOME:
$3,719,601 $437,600 $218,800
(75%) (15%) (10%)
$4,376,001 $214,973
Liabilities $2,308,323 $22,633,554 $19,524 $24,961,401
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS:
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20%
$4,590,974
10%
Current Assets Fixed Assets Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS
(24%) (42%) (13%) (20%) (1%)
Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities TOTAL Liabilities NET ASSETS
$209,864 $3,089,191 $3,299,055 $21,662,346
$24,961,401
Funders Corporate & Other Institutions
Variety
Amazon
Verizon
Ariel Investments
Visible
Baked by Melissa Blue Hill Catbird Charter Communications Colgate-Palmolive Con Edison Council of Fashion Designers of America CVE North America David Yurman
Foundations & Donor-Advised Funds
Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program at the Chicago Community Foundation The Pinkerton Foundation Shumaker Family Charitable Fund
Adobe Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
American Endowment Foundation
Sony Music Group
CBRAT Foundation
Starry Night Fund
The Children's Trust
Tarsadia Foundation
The Cottonwood Foundation
The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation
The Daniel M. Lerner Revocable Trust
Three Girls Fund
David C. Butterfield and Alfonso D. Rubio Memorial Foundation
Tides Foundation
Freda Salvador
Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust
United Way
Gap Inc.
eBay Foundation
Unity Charitable Fund
H&M
Elhapa Foundation
Vanguard Charitable
J.Crew
FeedNYC
Walentas Family Foundation
Empress of Brooklyn
Trinity Church Wall Street
Kering Americas
Food Bank for New York City
La Ligne
Gjelina Foundation
Material Kitchen
Google Community Grants Fund
Maybelline
The Hopewell Foundation
New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera
Meta Platforms
Jed and Susan Isaacs Family Charitable Fund
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
John Isaacs Charitable Fund
New York City Department of Youth & Community Development
Morgan Stanley MSG Sports LLC. New York University Next Millennium Productions Nike NYDIG Quidnet Media Salesforce Táche Tiffany & Co
Karsh Family Foundation Kate Spade New York Foundation The Leonard & Robert Weintraub Family Foundation La Vida Feliz Foundation MacMillan Family Foundation Maestro Cares Foundation Mary J. Hutchins Foundation MetLife Foundation
Government New York City Council
New York State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein New York State Assembly Member Latrice Walker New York State Council for the Arts New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services New York State Office of Family Services
Two Trees
Corporate, Foundation, and Government: $5K and up funders from June 2022–July 2023. Thank you to all of our individual supporters, of whom there are too many to list here.
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Find us online at www.girlsclub.org t www.centerforwellbeing.nyc @girlsclubny t @centerforwellbeing.nyc
Be our friend on social media
Joy, Power, Possibility. All made possible by our generous supporters. To donate by mail, please make a check or money order payable to “Lower Eastside Girls Club” and mail to:
Lower Eastside Girls Club 101 Avenue D New York, NY 10009
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To donate online, scan this QR code or visit: support.girlsclub.org
When you come to Girls Club, you always know that there are going to be people here to support you and listen to you, and understand you.
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“To grow up in Girls Club is so positive. Not only do you grow as a person in Girls Club, you also see the people around you grow.
It really is like a home away from home.” — XZERIA, GIRLS CLUB MEMBER
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Forbes.com — " Where Rosario Dawson Goes To Find Hope",
“When I go to the Lower Eastside Girls Club, I see hope for the future. I see how we can come together and problem solve with love and light.” ROSARIO DAWSON iGIRLS CLUB BOARD MEMBER & CHAMPION
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