Press Release
For Further Information Contact:
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit – Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit
Latitia McCree
313 223-2499
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT, GIRLS ON THE RUN AFFILIATE COUNCIL PARTNERING
WITH RITE AID FOUNDATION TO IMPACT LIVES OF LOCAL GIRLS
Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit to receive $20,000 grant to sustain programming, advance DEI initiatives
Detroit, MI. (January 14, 2021) – As the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates community-level health challenges, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations, The Rite Aid Foundation is partnering with Girls on the Run International to support the health and wellness of girls today and into the future.
As part of this commitment, Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit is honored to receive a grant of $20,000 from The Rite Aid Foundation to ensure continued programs and impact during the pandemic, as well as enhance its missions and efforts to serve diverse communities over the coming years. Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit, a nonprofit organization, serves 3rd – 8th grade girls, providing a sense of belonging, opportunities for building friendships and programs that improve their overall health and wellness.
Inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through a fun, experienced-based curriculum that creatively integrates running, Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit offers programming at more than 200 sites per year across Metropolitan Detroit and has transformed the lives of over 27,000 girls throughout its 15-year history.
“Now more than ever, during a generation-defining pandemic, the health and wellness of our communities stands at the forefront,” said Matthew DeCamara, executive director of The Rite Aid Foundation. “We’re humbled to support Girls on the Run as it adapts and develops new and innovative ways to impact the lives of girls. This organization embodies the Foundation’s commitment to impacting children’s lives by building self-esteem, independence and resilience, and letting all children know what it means to be a kid. Working together, we can emerge stronger from this crisis.”
Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit will utilize the grant to ensure that its evidence-based programming can continue through the pandemic while advancing its commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) programs.
“Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit is thrilled to receive this funding from The Rite Aid Foundation, which will allow our organization to provide access to our transformational programming to more girls over the next year,” said Kelly Plocharczyk, council director at Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit. “The Girls on the Run lessons build resilience, confidence, empathy and self-awareness in girls through physical activity – all skills and abilities necessary to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant will ensure that girls across Metropolitan Detroit will have the opportunity to develop these critical life skills while also building connection and friendships with others.”
For more information on how to register as a participant or volunteer with Girls on the Run, please visit gotrdetroit.org.
About Girls on the Run
International
Girls on
the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program that is
designed to enhance girls’ social, emotional and physical skills and behaviors
to successfully navigate life experiences. The program’s evidence-based curriculum
places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character,
caring and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running
and other physical activities. An independent study found that 97% of
participants learned critical life skills including managing emotions,
resolving conflict, helping others or making intentional decisions at Girls on
the Run that they continue to use at home, at school and with their friends.
Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization with councils in all 50 states and
the District of Columbia, has served over 2 million girls since its inception
in 1996.
About The Rite Aid Foundation
The Rite Aid Foundation, the philanthropic organization of a leading healthcare company and trusted neighborhood pharmacy, drives leadership and progress that impacts the health and wellness of everyone in our communities. Working with a network of nearly 500 nonprofit organizations, the Foundation has a special focus on underserved and disadvantaged populations and locations, advancing racial equity and serving as a catalyst for positive change.
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering healthcare services
and retail products to more than 1.6 million Americans daily. Our pharmacists
are uniquely positioned to engage with customers and improve their health
outcomes. We provide an array of whole being health products and services for
the entire family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 18
states. Through Elixir, we provide pharmacy benefits and services to
approximately 4 million members nationwide. For more information, www.riteaid.com.
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