Girls Inc. unveils new headquarters for programming and other opportunities

Left to right: Cynthia Medina Carson, Bernadette Harrigan, Suzanne Parker, Debra Vega and Sabria Brown pose at the Girls Inc. of the Valley new headquarters grand opening.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley introduced its newly renovated headquarters on May 1, marking a major milestone in expanding opportunities for girls across the region.

The event honored the donors, partners and community members whose support made the transformation possible, including securing $7.25 million through the fundraising effort led by the organization to fund the building’s renovation, while showcasing how the new space is already strengthening and expanding the organization’s impact.

The newly renovated headquarters provides a permanent home for the Girls Inc. experience: a safe, supportive environment where girls gain the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed, according to the organization.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Executive Director Suzanne Parker talked with Reminder Publishing about the organization’s impact after the event.

“It was really about securing the future for Girls Inc.,” Parker stated. “Having a permanent home where we can provide that incredible Girls Inc. experience and have that space for girls to come and just know this is for them and they can explore and use their voice and have all that great Girls Inc. programming.”

The celebration took place at the organization’s Holyoke headquarters, located at 480 Hampden St., and included tours and a program with remarks from youth participants sharing firsthand stories about the impact of Girls Inc. programming.

With expanded space and resources, Girls Inc. of the Valley is already increasing its reach across Holyoke and surrounding communities, expanding evidence-based programming and deepening partnerships with local organizations, leaders said.

“It also positions us because it’s kind of like a hub for us,” Parker explained. “It’s a great location because we have all these school partners in Springfield and Chicopee, as well as Holyoke, so we reach lots of youth throughout the valley.”

Parker also talked about how space allows the organization to do things they couldn’t do before.

“There’s this beautiful outdoor space, outdoor yard that we literally open up the door, and the kids can go right outside,” Parker said. “Of course, all the program space, we have thousands of square feet of program space. We have a makerspace, we’ve got 3D printers going in there. So it’s just all of this beautiful space that the kids know it’s for them, and that makes a big difference for them.”

Girls Inc. of the Valley is a nonprofit committed to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing them with educational development programs that are research-driven and designed to meet the specific needs of girls. Girls Inc. of the Valley serves youth ages 5-18 from the greater Holyoke, Springfield and Chicopee areas. 

The grand opening celebration also served as the kickoff to the organization’s Together Week, which builds momentum toward the organization’s National Day of Giving on May 7, an opportunity for the community to support and sustain expanded programming for local youth.

Parker explained that Girls Inc. Together Week is a way to lift the awareness of Girls. Inc and what they do, including an online day of giving across the country and locally.

Readers interested in learning more about Girls Inc. in the Valley can visit girlsincvalley.org or follow them on social media.

“We want to fill the building this summer.” Parker stated. “We want as many kids as possible. We know there’s a lot of families out there that have a huge need for high-quality summer programs, for after school programs. By having those additional resources, we can make sure the kids who really need it most and who are really gonna benefit from these opportunities can access the programming.”