The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Group gives girls chance for connection
With the novel coronavirus case counts declining across Northeast Ohio, many businesses, organizations and schools are working to return to normal schedules, according to a news release.
But feelings of anxiety and isolation continue to plague young girls across the region, and Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio is ready to do its part to ensure that girls have an opportunity to make new connections and build confidence at a time when they need it most, the release said.
“I believe we are entering a time of recovery for our girls as our communities slowly get back to normal,” said Robyn Cutler, executive director of Girls on the Run.
“Girls on the Run provides a space where girls can share their feelings, reconnect with their peers and discover just how resilient they have become.
“The added bonus: they walk, they run, they sweat and they rediscover how truly amazing they really are.”
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based youth development program that teaches girls to celebrate the unique qualities in themselves and others, helps build confidence through goal setting and allows girls to find new and meaningful connections with their peers and their surrounding communities, according to the release.
Health and fitness are woven into the eight-week curriculum to encourage young girls to be physically active, which is particularly important with increased screen time and virtual learning.
“We’re proud to offer a variety of programming options that fit the needs of any family,” said Dani Elliott, program director. “Many schools and community centers are able to safely offer inperson programming using our new health and safety protocols, but by offering virtual programming, we’re also able to serve those in the community that may not be in a position to participate in a group setting.
“Our curriculum adaptations allow those girls to make the same meaningful connections with peers and be physically active in a fun and engaging way while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.”
Registration is open for the spring season, which starts the week of March 15.
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio has in-person and virtual sites in eight counties across Northeast Ohio, including Lake, Lorain and Cuyahoga.
To sign up, visit www.gotrneo. org or call 234-206-0786 for more information.
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio is an affiliated council of Girls on the Run International and is supported by several benefactors.