DO GO OD Girls Inc. OC Adapts to COVID-19, Enhances Programming By Sara Hall The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a number of businesses and organizations to adapt, and one local group has used creativity and innovation to not only continue their work, but enhance it. Lucy Santana, CEO Girls Inc. OC
Girls Inc. of Orange County, a nonprofit that aims to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold through a variety of outreach programs, has adjusted quickly during this unusual time. “We felt, in our internal world, that we are essential,” and many families view the organization as a support system for the girls’ mental and physical health, Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc. of OC, said in a phone interview in August. COVID-19 has highlighted the strength, resilience, and quick-thinking skills in her team, as well as the need for the Girls Inc. services and programming, Santana said.
They also discovered the passion of their cadre of donors and supporters, as well as how to fundraise in creative ways, she added. Most importantly during this time of social distancing and isolation, they needed to stay in the girls’ lives. They made regular phone and video calls to check in with the girls, ensuring they were getting what they needed and finding out how they could help. “Even when things are so disconcerting, we’re still there for girls,” Santana said. Girls Inc. staff also got creative with how they provided services and programs. They started a YouTube channel and began creating and uploading videos so girls could watch from home. Videos covered a range of topics, most were relevant to the current situation, like how to manage stress or how to keep busy in positive ways. The Girls Inc. team also virtually continued most of their usual programming. Team members hosted online literacy workshops, family story time and successfully launched five summer camps, serving about 225 girls just in July.
“We teach our girls to be resilient, so as an organization we have to be resilient and think on our feet,” she said. “People respond differently to stress and chaos and (through efficient teamwork) we’ve been able to overcome.”
Programs (in summer and some new this fall) included: Custom activities, teaching girls how to be their own SHE-roes, Smart-Ups Shark Tank business simulation, Eureka! a STEM program in a modern virtual setting, BoldBots Summer Camp sponsored by Boeing, and more.
They had to be nimble and flexible, she explained. There were a few key elements that helped them pivot to the new process, chiefly her team’s dedication, thoughtfulness, and astuteness.
Although they are still working remotely — and will continue until it’s safe for all involved — they’ve found that they can accomplish more and reach more girls using modern technology.
“We had to make prudent business decisions quickly,” including some cost-cutting measures, she said. “We needed to use the resources had in the best way possible.”
“Our organization is at a critical standpoint,” Santana said. “We have to live our mission statement … to be strong, smart, and bold. We want to be around for many more years.”
For more information, visit www.girlsinc-oc.org
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