Follow the link below to read about Girls Inc. of Omaha alum Shardea Gallion.

http://leoadambiga.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/strong-smart-and-bold-a-girls-inc-story/

From girls who received checks:

"A bribe???!!! Excuse me?!!  No, seriously, I can see how some people might think that but to me, it just shows that someone appreciates what I am doing.  If I work hard, someone notices.  I plan on saving my money." - Zhamontee

"I like getting money but I agree you shouldn't get bribed to do something you are supposed to do anyway, like get good grades." - Ebony

"It is easy money, like getting paid for going to school, but it's not a bribe.  It shows you that if you work hard, you will get rewarded.  If you do what you are supposed to do, you might end up with some extra money in your pocket.  I might buy somes shoes since you [Girls Inc.] already save some of it for me." - D'Ashanique

From a girl who didn't receive a check:

"Don't put my name down because I don't want someone to think I am stupid if I didn't get a check.  If it is a bribe, it might just work because I am thinking 'How can I get in on that?  Like maybe I could bring my grades up.  I don't know.  And anyway, do you think people would go to work if they didn't get a paycheck.  I mean even if they like their job or think they are doing a good job they like to get money because who doesn't?  For real, Ms. Roberta, don't tell me you don't like your paycheck.  You know you love that paycheck.  Payday is a good day, right?" - anonymous

Creighton Camp was a very fun and adventurous experience for the Girls Inc. members. Everyday  was packed full of activities, workshops and skill building.
The girls enjoyed learning how to play new sports and getting tips from actual coaches and players.  The girls played volleyball, basketball, softball, football, soccer and of course went swimming.  At the end of camp ceremony Girls Inc. ladies received various awards for "Most Improved", "Best Attitude" "Miss Congeniality" and "MVP."  I was very impressed with our ladies during Creighton camp and I was glad to see them so engaged and eager to learn!" - Ms. Desiree 
 

This is the first time I have been to Coco Key and I enjoyed all the waterslides and having fun with my friends. – Makayla

-       We had a lot of fun telling stories and the slides gave me a rush. It was very exhausting but the hot tub was relaxing and I enjoyed it! --  Zhomentee

-       It was awesome! I’ve never been to Coco Key, but now that I have I want to go again.  The storytelling was interesting. I had fun! – Ebony

-       For my first time at Coco Key it was very interesting. – Adrianna

-       I had fun eating pizza and talking with friends.  -- Aradia

The girls have been working in our gardens with interns Matt and Megan from The Big Garden.  The event they attended was a time for the interns to share what they have been working on and to share the fruits of their labor. - Ms. Kate

I liked when I saw our picture on display.  I learned we can havce a spa day and we can have fun planting vegetables. - Ebone

I learned a lot about all the other things you can plant besides flowers.  The food was delicious! - Robin

"The girls read the book Mouse Paint, a personal favorites from my childhood, and then they painted their own artwork, mixing and blending the paint just like the mouse in the book."  Ms. Tess

"I picked a flower for my picture because flowers are beautiful." - Destiny

On July 15, 2010 Girls Inc. teens went to York’s Women prison [Nebraska Correctional Center for Women].  We got to interview two of the inmates to see what it’s like to be in a prison. One inmate was in for 2^nd degree murder and one was in for assaulting a security guard.  They would wake up, and then eat breakfast, some would go to work and some would go to school. They would usually room with 2-4 people. You would only have a bunk bed and a toilet.  If women had a baby, the baby could stay in the nursery or they could live with a relative. They could also go to a store at the prison call the canteen. They could buy different things like snacks, clothes, etc.  During their free time they could go to the yard or check out games. They could also go to the gym to lift weights. Overall you really didn’t have any freedom.  York’s women prison is not where you want to go. - Kanesha

The trip to the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York was very interesting. At first I was a little nervous visiting a prison solely because of the stereotypes that I’ve heard about them. I guess I kind of expected violent women in jumpsuits fighting and resisting their guards’ orders. I was visioning murderers, rapists, and drug dealers walking around but although that was true, in reality they seemed like normal people. Although we didn’t get to tour the prison, we did get to speak with two prisoners. They told us about themselves like why they where here, how their lives were before, and what they planned on doing when they got out. One lady was about 32 and serving a 25-50 year sentence for 2^nd degree murder. The other was only 19 and serving a 3-5 year sentence for assault. They  answered our questions about life in prison and how the average day goes. The most unexpected thing I learned was that they can have their babies live with them in prison if they are pregnant. Also, that they kids up to age 11 can visit overnight with them. Their stories were eye-opening as to how choices you make can impact your life forever. The biggest thing that I learned is that I’m never going back! - Denai

Who am I?

A Girls Club Alumni.

I remember when Girls Club  was located on Lake St. At that time girls needed to be 8 years old to attend. The first day my mom tried to enroll me, I was 7 years old and was told to come back in a year. To a seven year old, that was forever and I cried for days. But I did return!

Who am I?

The mother of a Girls Inc. Alumni.

 My daughter, Antiana Valentine, attended girls Inc. through  high school. This was one of the best adventures I could have offered her. She is now a senior in college at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. Antiana also received a scholarship from Girls Inc. While at Girls Inc., she was paired with a mentor who sent her care packages to school, spent quality positive time with her, and is now a lifelong friend my daughter respects and views as a role model.

 During the time she attended Girls Inc., our family experienced challenges like any other family. Girls Inc. was there to provide her with dreams and creativity to pursue. She received a new sewing machine that helped her explore sewing. She traveled to Washington, D.C. and while there met Barack Obama when he was still a Senator and 'godmother of civil rights' Dorthy Height, who is now deceased, but was a Delta. This experience really had an impact and influenced her life because Barack Obama is now President and Antiana has now pledged Delta. And the list goes on..............................

Who am I?

A mother of a Girls Inc member.

 My daughter Nautika Valentine, who is 12 years old, also attends Girls Inc. She loves all the different feild trips and activites. 

Who am I?

An employee at Girls Inc.

 I was affected by the current recession and lost my job. After months of searching for employment, who was there once again?  My Girls Inc. family. My short employment experience with Girls Inc. has been such a blessing for me and my family. I almost feel that my working here in some way is giving back some of love Girls Inc has given my girls. Girls Inc has given Antiana love inspiration, hope and dreams and she has now passed them on to Nautika.

Who am I?

A Girls Club Alumni, Mother of a Girls Inc Alumni, A Mother of Girls Inc. Member, and now a Girls Inc. employee. Thank You Girls Inc.!

by Antonia "Ms. Nia" Valentine

The girls sign "I love Girls Inc." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw-B2DCtLSA

Girls attended a Wildlife Encounter program at the South Omaha Library where they were able to see and touch all manner of creatures.  Chloe actually held an alligator. 

"When I held the alligator, it was scary at first because a guy asked me to close my eyes and hold out my hands.  Then he brought it out and everybody screamed so I got nervous.  Then he put it in my hands and told me to open my eyes and it was an alligator.  I felt better after I saw his mouth taped shut and he didn't move.  It was awesome!" - Chloe

You can watch Chloe hold a for-real-live-not-stuffed-even-if-his-mouth-was-taped-shut alligator if you click here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6elnq7gceK8  The video has a little of that Blair Witch Project-y thing going on but it is so worth watching!  When Chloe shuts her eyes and then the other girls see that it is an alligator she will be holding and start screaming - it's a moment!  Chloe puts the bold in "strong, smart, and bold!"