Girls Inc. of Metro Denver inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold through mentorship, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programs — helping them build confidence, take risks, and overcome gender, economic, and social challenges. Guided by girls and their families, they also advocate for policies that expand opportunities and rights.
Caring for Denver supports their Whole-Girl Healthy Minds and Resiliency Program, ensuring girls access essential mental health, trauma, and substance misuse resources. The program equips them with the skills and mindset to navigate challenges, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and build a strong sense of self.
Impact Highlights
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver supports over 800 girls and non-binary youth each year. With funding from Caring for Denver, they’ve bolstered social-emotional learning (SEL) across all school-year and summer programs. Staff received comprehensive training in SEL practices, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, and Suicide Prevention — equipping them to better support the young people they serve. Additionally, 116 Denver adults participated in Girl Ally Training, strengthening the network of trusted, supportive adults in the community.
Beyond integrating SEL into programming, Girls Inc. provided individualized mental health, psychoeducation, and wellness services to girls, reaching a population that was 91% BIPOC and 84% low-income — a reflection of their diverse, representative staff.
As a result of this expanded support and training:
- 93% of staff improved how they incorporate SEL into their programming.
- 100% of girls who engaged in mental health services maintained high participation, showing a sense of trust and safety.
- 90% of girls accessing mental health services through Girls Inc. received support for the first time.
- 93% of girls receiving one-on-one mental health services reported improvements in their mental health.
One of the most significant impacts was the boost in staff confidence and social-emotional engagement, empowering them to have more open, supportive conversations about mental health with girls. This shift fostered an environment where girls feel safer sharing their challenges and successes. Families and staff now engage in more frequent, meaningful discussions about mental health, reinforcing Girls Inc. of Metro Denver as a trusted, supportive space for youth and their families.