Each spring we write to you to share news about the progress and growth of Girls First. As we enter our 12th year as an organization, we are incredibly proud of a significant milestone that occurred this year. Three former Girls First participants, who came to us first as campers, became Counselors-in-Training, and eventually grew into Jr. Counselors, are now attending Southeastern Louisiana University. We are very proud of Jantel Joseph, Crystal Gaston and Paige Spruille.

While there are many ways to measure an organization’s success, our most important and compelling metric is the success of our girls! Another is the retention rate of girls who enroll in Girls First. To date, 86% of girls who enroll for one summer’s program come back again and again!

While these achievements may seem modest, they are clear proof that our efforts to improve the lives of girls in New Orleans are having an impact. Each year we are making positive changes within a generation of young women in New Orleans. It has all been possible as a result of your continued support and encouragement.

We are excited with the possibilities and the challenges of the future. Our 2009 goals include:

• launching a wide-spread awareness campaign that highlights the benefits and value of sports and exercise for girls
• a targeted effort to enhance the sustainability of Girls First through successful grant writing and strategic partnerships
• expanding the leadership track for our Counselors-in-Training and Jr. Counselors
• increasing our capacity to reach more girls in the New Orleans area.

This year, Girls First summer camp will be held June 13–19 at Tulane University. Once again we ask for your generous support to give a girl the opportunity to experience Girls First – for the summer and all year long. Sports and the opportunity to play them can transform girls lives. Girls First will continue to provide a sports based program that will support the growth and healthy development of the most deserving and need qualified girls of New Orleans! Thank you for your generous support.

Helen Siegel and Missie McGuire,
co-founders of Girls First