GIRLFORWARD
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December 22, 2012
This fabulous organization educates and empowers refugee girls. The benefits of its education and mentorship programs are life-changing. GirlForward assists in easing the transition into life in the U.S. Its programs help the girls learn to navigate the education system and the working world. This organization is fulfilling a previously overlooked need in our society. Success stories abound and demonstrate that GirlForward is fulfilling its mission.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 14, 2012
GirlForward is one of the few organizations in the Chicago area that focus solely on adolescent refugee girls. Most of these girls resettled in the Chicago area are coming from war torn areas, regions of economic depression, and areas where the educational and professional options for women are undeveloped. GirlForward fills a niche by providing strong role models for these adolescent girls and gives them the support and tools to explore their academic and professional goals in the United States. I have been impressed by the girls I have met, their dedicated mentors, and the passion of the founder and Executive Director Blair.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 8, 2012
I had the pleasure of attending a GirlForward graduation ceremony for their summer camp a few months ago. Wow! I was so impressed. These young refugee girls have overcome so many challenges in life, yet I have never seen a more happy, positive group of girls. They were asked to speak about their future careers and all of them dreamed of jobs that would allow them to help as many people as possible. These future doctors, nurses and teachers also hope to return to countries many of them were forced to leave and help future generations. Amazing. Bravo to the staff at GirlForward.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 7, 2012
My experience at GirlForward has definitely been the highlight of my year. After working with Chicago's refugee community for the past four years, it's wonderful to see an organization that focuses specifically on adolescent girls. GirlForward does a fantastic job of addressing the challenges of refugee life while simultaneously providing the time and space to make friends and just be girls! It is so important to provide and maintain a space like this for a population that can sometimes feel as though they are caught between two worlds. I especially love GirlForward's mentorship program because it connects participants with intelligent, successful, and independent women they can look to for help and inspiration as they navigate the challenges they face as both American teenage girls and as refugees. I feel honored to have contributed to the success of GirlForward, and I can't wait to see all of these amazing girls become the incredible community leaders they are destined to be!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 7, 2012
As the only organization that serves adolescent refugee girls, GirlForward is a vital resource in the Chicago community. Girls who are a part of this organization benefit greatly from the services provided and it is extremely motivating to see witness their achievements. From receiving assistance with the college application process, to meeting with a personal mentor each week, the girls of GirlForward have access to resources that every young woman should be provided to become both educated and independent. Staff and members of GirlForward enjoy working together to provide these resources, and to create an environment in which refugee girls can continue to reach their goals.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 7, 2012
Having worked with many non-profits over the years, I can honestly say that GirlForward's mission and vision are exemplified in everything they do, and I am proud to have worked with them. The mission to empower adolescent refugee girls in the Chicagoland area is novel. The young women that GirlForward serves are often overlooked because they are overburdened with responsibilities within their homes and at school. GirlForward's Safe Spaces and Mentorship Programs help to bring focus to these young women and provide them a supportive and safe atmosphere to get the educational help and personal support they need in order to excel and become independent. The girls that benefit from GirlForward's programs are paving a pathway to creating a viable and independent future for themselves, because they are getting the guidance and support they need in order to become leaders for other women in their community.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 7, 2012
GirlForward was started after identifying a real need in the Chicago refugee community. In just over a year the organization has moved from an idea to a real asset in the community, changing the lives of the girls who participate. The organization has been especially effective in networking in the community and using social media to expand its support base. It has also gained support from other larger organizations in Chicago, including the Chicago Foundation for Women. The financial stewardship has been exemplary, and the organization is utilizing professional advisors to improve the operational effectiveness. The passion and dedication of the volunteers, the board, and the staff will fuel the continued growth of GirlForward.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 7, 2012
I have served on several boards over the years, working with the homeless, the Junior League and mostly, with refugee causes and in just a year of working with this young organization, I have never been more inspired or rewarded by a cause. The volunteers and board are clearly and enthusiastically focused on their mission. The mentors are downright inspirational in their dedication. They meet weekly with their girls and are talented, positive, encouraging role models. The refugee girls are filled with hope, ambition and energy. They have mountains to climb in their new life here in the US - the struggle may seem endless, but they are determined and with GF helping them every step of the way, they are already starting to see their dreams come true. I hope I can help GF grow its programs and find the funding to continue its important work. GF spreads hope, strengthens families, builds leaders, and helps an often invisible, forgotten population step into the light and shine.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 27, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
This forward thinking organization of young and caring professional women does a great deal to pay it forward by mentoring and empowering teen refugee girls in Chicago. Blair and Charlotte and all the crew at GirlForward are energetic and thoughtful social entreprenuers who are doing a great service among the most marginalized in our communities. I promise your contributions are well spent by these capable hands. I have been deeply impressed by their commitment and their success in building a non-profit organization that is efficient and effective.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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