GirlForward
Non-profit OrganizationsIllinois, United States11-50 Employees
GirlForward is a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on creating and expanding opportunities for girls displaced by conflict and persecution around the world. The group operates through three core programs—mentoring, education, and safe spaces—to address challenges such as poverty, language barriers, disrupted schooling, isolation, and trauma that resettled refugee girls often face. Its mentoring program pairs girls with mentors to pursue activities centered on wellness, wisdom, wallet, and world, supporting high school completion and personal development. The education program combines English language skill-building with academic success, featuring Tutoring and Camp GirlForward, a six-week summer literacy-based curriculum with activities and field trips. The Safe Spaces program offers after-school drop-in hours and a range of workshops to help girls explore identities, connect with peers, and access needed resources. The organization situates itself within the broader context of refugee support and education for vulnerable youth, serving a global population while maintaining a local presence in Chicago for program delivery. A recent development noted is ongoing activity around its programs and community engagement, illustrating continued operation and impact in its mission to empower displaced girls.