In the difficult times we’re living in, it’s critical that we continue to support the grassroots service organizations that have been doing the ongoing work in our communities. With its mission and collective vision of justice, equity, joy, power, and possibility, the Lower Eastside Girls Club is precisely the type of force for good that Credico is beyond pleased to support.
On June 25, 2020, Credico upheld its continued commitment to support the Lower Eastside Girls Club by sponsoring their annual Gala, which was held as a virtual event this year as just one part of its community-driven response to the COVID-19 crisis. Although the event could not be celebrated with everyone together in person, an inspiring evening was enjoyed online.
With Girls Club Board Member Rosario Dawson as host for the evening, special guests included an array of notable individuals and celebrities, including performances and contributions from Girls Club members and alumni.
The pandemic has created additional burdens for Girls Club members who already face challenges such as poverty, housing instability, and community violence all occurring at critical points in girls’ emotional development. Through our sponsorship, Credico seeks to help the Girls Club continue to foster the strength of sisterhood and community self-reliance its members need now more than ever.
“It’s about sisterhood. You walk in the doors and feel the connection and love we all have in our hearts.”
The Lower Eastside Girls Club was founded in 1996 to address the historic lack of services available to girls and young women on the Lower East Side of New York City. Today, The Girls Club connects girls and young women to healthy and successful futures. Their state-of-the-art center offers programs in the arts, sciences, leadership, entrepreneurship and wellness for middle and high school girls, training the next generation of ethical leaders by elevating their voices and providing the tools and experiences they need to overcome barriers that may limit their potential.
“Girls Club has taught me how to be positive and adapt to tough situations.”
Credico’s sponsorship will contribute to the funding of programs like the Girls Club’s outdoor summer workshops in the arts, gardening, and health & wellness. These additions to their socially-distanced indoor programs encourage the girls to get out into the courtyard or rooftop garden to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And in the next year, the organization is set to open their Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, which will address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases as well as the social, emotional, physical, mental and economic wellness issues facing the community.
The Lower East Side is one of the largest, most diverse, and densely populated districts of New York City. The neighborhood is a historically low-income, disenfranchised immigrant and minority community that has only seen inequities come into even starker focus with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I wanted to extend my gratitude to you and the rest of your staff in this very difficult time. You girls are a beacon of hope, light, and faith. I am so grateful to everyone, from the chef that prepared the food, all the way to the person who passed me the box.”
It is our hope that Credico’s ongoing support of the Lower Eastside Girls Club will continue to make a positive impact on families in the community, helping to create the culture of creativity and experimentation that is the heart of their mission. Offered at no cost to girls and their families, the programs we’re supporting through our sponsorship work to emphasize a broad range of cultural competencies that girls need to achieve success. The programs are intended to raise up the voices and endeavors of the club members for years to come.
If you’d like to join us in supporting the Lower Eastside Girls Club as they build a better future for all of us, please donate today at girlsclub.org/donate.
