GirlForward

GirlForward is dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.The organization serves adolescent refugee girls (ages 14-21) who have resettled in the United States from countries such as Myanmar, Afghanistan, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Iraq. GirlForward addresses the biggest challenges faced by its population: language barrier, disrupted education, poverty, social isolation, trauma and a need for role models. The Holiday Award enables GirlForward to ensure that it has two Girl Engagement Specialists on the Chicago staff in 2018, in addition to bringing on a vetted consultant to work with the executive director, board, and senior staff to address organizational challenges and develop a strategy to move forward.