The Board of Directors at Girls Inc. of the Valley gather at the unveiling event on May 1.
Photo credit: Hillary Lynn Photography
HOLYOKE — The week of May 5 to 9 marks the celebration of Girls Inc. Week at Girls Inc. of the Valley, and locations across the country — a time dedicated to spotlighting the organization’s transformative programming for girls and teens across Western Massachusetts. With a special focus on mental health, this year’s event highlights the organization’s commitment to nurturing emotionally resilient, confident young women — and the importance of community support in making that vision possible.
At the heart of the organization’s recent progress is the renovation of its new permanent home at 480 Hampden St. in Holyoke. “We were in need of a permanent program home and headquarters,” explained Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley. “Before purchasing 480 Hampden St. in 2020, we were leasing space and the lease terms were coming to an end.”
The historic building, once the long-term home of O’Connell Companies, offered an ideal location. “It checked off a lot of our boxes — a beautiful fenced-in backyard, lots of natural light, over 16,000 square feet, a large parking lot, and a great Holyoke location close to a city park,” Parker said. However, the 150-year-old structure required extensive renovations. The final phase is set for completion in September, transforming the site into a vibrant, modern space for programming and support.
This year’s Girls Inc. Week underscores the growing mental health needs among youth. “We have a wonderful partnership with River Counseling, which provides a mental health clinician on a regular basis,” said Parker.
The clinicians work with up to 45 girls through one-on-one check-ins, small group discussions, and workshops that tackle school stress, bullying, and home life challenges. This mental health support is interwoven with special Girls Inc. Week activities.
“From a teen-led discussion on how Girls Inc. can better support mental health, to gardening with community partner Ascentria, healthy relationships education, and a substance misuse prevention workshop with MADD — each day focuses on building tools for emotional well-being,” said Parker. The week concludes with a relaxing spa day to celebrate self-care and reflection.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Girls Inc. Together — A Day of Giving on May 8 is expected to bolster these efforts. “Funds will help ensure girls have access to Girls Inc.,” said Parker. “We currently provide the Girls Inc. experience at no cost to families. Funds will support leadership and career workshops, healthy snacks and meals, and academic tutors and mentors.”
Parker emphasized that community support is critical, especially in the wake of troubling mental health statistics from the CDC.
“Girls Inc. of the Valley’s mission is to create a future where every girl can thrive,” she said. “By signing up to be a volunteer, making a donation on GirlsIncTogether — we can build a world where every girl can thrive — mentally, emotionally and boldly,” she concluded.
