photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
LEAD Girls of NC (Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams) is a locally founded, locally serving nonprofit focused on providing middle-school-aged girls, especially those facing challenging circumstances, with the tools and resources they need to become productive citizens and active leaders in their communities. Supported by a team of trained facilitators, LEAD works with more than 355 girls across Forsyth County each year through its in-school and community programs.
“Our goal is to empower our LEAD girls with the skills they need to LEAD self, LEAD others and LEAD change,” says Joy Nelson Thomas, founder and executive director of LEAD Girls. “Participating in LEAD Girls can be a transformative experience as these young girls develop the self confidence and leadership to unlock their full potential during these formative years and build lifelong friendships along the way.”
Now in its 10th year, LEAD Girls partners with local middle schools, most often Title I schools, to offer evidence-based curriculums, leads Saturday programs at its homebase in downtown Winston-Salem and hosts popular summer camps and special events across the county. As part of its anniversary celebrations, LEAD plans to release a report to the community later this year based on its work. The organization hopes that the report will serve as a catalyst for deepening its services through increased community awareness and support…