Girls on the Run (GOTR) Northwest Indiana has announced that they are expanding to eleven new counties in Indiana, which will increase access to its program that inspires third- to eighth-grade girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. The full list of their service area includes the following Indiana counties: Benton, Carroll, Clay, Fountain, Greene, Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Montgomery, Newton, Owen, Parke, Porter, Pulaski, Putnam, Starke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Warren and White.

Jill Schlueter-Kim has served as Executive Director of GOTR Northwest Indiana since 2007, when she brought the program to Northwest Indiana.

“Multiple GOTR councils serve Indiana, but the West Central region has never had access to our programming. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to reach new communities and impact even more youth in Indiana.” 

Established in 2007, Girls on the Run  Northwest Indiana has proudly served more than 20,000 girls. As the team embarks on this expansion, it remains committed to delivering high-quality impactful programming that is accessible and inclusive. GOTR Northwest Indiana will continue to increase its presence in Indiana counties with the support of expanded staff.

There is a tremendous need for safe, supportive spaces for girls to gain confidence, be active, and connect with peers and trusted adults. Girls’ self-confidence begins to drop by age nine. Physical activity levels decline starting at age 10 and continue to decrease throughout adolescence. Fifty percent of girls ages ten to 13 experience bullying such as name calling and exclusion at a time when peer relationships become more central to girls’ lives. Girls on the Run’s trauma-informed educators, mentors and coaches address those needs and help girls develop critical life skills through lessons that creatively integrate movement. 

Even through the expansion, the nonprofit wants to ensure that the program remains accessible. Girls on the Run Northwest Indiana has a clear commitment to access for all girls by maintaining one of the highest scholarship rates across the country and never turning away a girl due to her socio-economic status. In 2023, over 73% of participants received financial assistance in order to be a part of her team. 

Girls on the Run Northwest Indiana is looking to hire a West Central Indiana Coordinator. This person will work with the GOTR NWI team to establish and grow their program in this new area. To learn more about this position or to apply, click here.