Girls on the Run New Hampshire has received a $5,000 grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures designed to combat health disparities and advance fitness and friendships among adolescent girls.
The announcement comes as local Girls on the Run councils prepare for their spring 5Ks, end-of-season events that are well known for their powerful positivity and celebratory atmosphere.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a leader in positive youth development, and its experience-based curriculum creatively integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. The organization currently operates 171 local councils across the United States and Canada, serving nearly 200,000 girls annually.
The latest funding marks the third year of partnership between GOTR and Rite Aid Healthy Futures, the public charity affiliated with Rite Aid that seeks to advance equity and opportunity for children and youth. The grant supports the two organizations’ shared commitment to strengthening and empowering local communities.
The New Hampshire council continues to attract new and returning sites to its spring and fall team rosters. The 10-week program encourages improvements in girls' social-emotional health outcomes, as the curriculum enhances girls' social-emotional learnings in areas such as confidence, connection, competence, character, contribution, and caring.
New Hampshire’s executive director, Jen Hubbell, says, “Running is in the name, but empowerment is the game. Girls on the Run is designed to inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind.”
The grants are funded through Rite Aid’s KidCents fundraising program. Generous Rite Aid customers can round up their purchases online or in-store to support children’s health and wellness. Healthy Futures reinvests the funds into Rite Aid communities through grants benefiting organizations such as Girls on the Run.
“We remain inspired by the commitment of Girls on the Run to create a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams,” said Matt DeCamara, executive director of Rite Aid Healthy Futures. “Our partnership will ensure that more girls have access to their innovative programming that addresses health disparities and racial inequities in communities, ensure girls can reach their full potential and futures.”