124 local kids now part of TYFS Girl's Project

What started as a small group with a vision of empowering high-risk young girls in the South Lake Tahoe community has expanded into a much sought after program serving 124 girls, and growing every year.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services started “The Girl’s Project” in 2010 to partner with girls and help them become more confident and influential women later in life. The Girl’s Project has now expanded to Tahoe Valley Elementary, Sierra House Elementary, Bijou Elementary and South Tahoe Middle School.

The Girl’s Project helps equip girls to meet their future with integrity and self-awareness, and has become a safe place for girls in their groups to share feelings, struggles and similarities. These groups also serve as a sounding board for the girls while discussing and contributing with each other in a variety of fun and educational activities.

Because of the expansion, the non-profit which serves South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County and Alpine County is asking for community support, both financially and with in-kind donations of supplies.

According to project coordinator Dede Gooding, donations the Girl’s Project allow the "much-needed" program to continue and to grow with supplies for crafts, snacks, fun field trips, but most importantly, to help these high-risk girls to become future women leaders, not only in Lake Tahoe, but in society.

"Your assistance would be greatly appreciated and is tax deductible, as our organization is a nonprofit," said Gooding.

To help, contact Gooding at 530-541-24545 ext 103, by email at dgooding@tahoeyouth.org or by mail at the agency, Tahoe Youth & Family Services 1021 Fremont Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The agency's Tax ID number is 942145042. Any donations by check need to have "Girls Project" on the subject line.