Daughters of Change
A Place for Girls
Episode Summary
Meet Daughter of Change, Morgan Reilly, Adult Girl Scout, and Program Lead for A Place for Girls.
Episode Notes
Today I’m talking with daughter of change, Morgan Reilly, Adult Girl Scout, and Program Lead for A Place for Girls.
Funded by the United Way of Maine, A Place for Girls is Girl Scouts of Maine’s comprehensive after-school program for elementary and middle school-aged girls that is specifically designed to help girls understand and follow positive values, build self-confidence, improve healthy relationships, and inspire them to community action on issues they care about.
Growing up, Morgan was actively involved in civil rights, diversity clubs, and competitive dance. After graduating high school, she attended Central Maine Community College where she earned two Associate degrees in Accounting and Business Administration.
Professionally, Morgan has actively pursued positions that allow her to learn more about various cultures, religions, lifestyles, and backgrounds. She joined Girl Scouts of Maine as the Program Lead for A Place For Girls in September of 2019 and loves every minute of it.
Morgan and I delve into this unique and important program, and how it serves the girls that take part and the community as a whole.
If you are interested in getting involved with a Place for Girls as a volunteer or giving opportunities, please contact customercare@gsmaine.org.
FAQ's A Place for Girls (APFG):
- What is A Place for Girls? A Place For Girls (APFG) are staff-led groups that serve girls who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting. APFG provides an inclusive and safe environment in which girls can learn and build skills with the support of caring adults. These adults foster the growth of the individual girls while they work cooperatively with their peers and engage with their neighbors. By trying new things and building their confidence, girls are more prepared to address issues they may face at home or in their community. By working together, they overcome pressures and learn to become leaders in the world. The goals of APFG have always included encouraging healthy relationships, improving self-esteem, growing leadership skills, and developing a life-long interest in community engagement and service, ultimately, giving girls the ability to make the world a better place. The programming is based on the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (badges, journeys, processes, etc.).
- Who does APFG serve, and what communities? APFG Lewiston serves girls grades K-8 who live in the Hillview community of Lewiston. APFG Biddeford serves girls K-12 in York County.
- How is APFG funded? Through United Way and other grant funds/support. Lewiston – United Way Androscoggin County, Biddeford – United Way of Southern Maine.
- How many years has APFG been running? Lewiston – approximately 20 years; Biddeford – approximately 15 years (APFG originally started in Portland in 1998)
- How can people get involved and support APFG? People can support APFG through their community connections and by volunteering. The programs often have outside presenters with expertise on different topics of interest from financial literacy to cooking to outdoor skills.
- How would the Girl Scouts of Maine like to see APFG grow? GSM would like to be able to have A Place For Girls programs in places of need so that girls have the opportunity to participate and gain the benefits of Girl Scouting. To achieve this additional funding is needed in partnership with United Way, or through individual and corporate donations.
Links to Check Out:
Donate to support Girl Scouts of Maine: www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/support
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Daughters of Change Podcast Editor: Sarah Stacey