Our Mission
To provide programs and experiences that help girls to become strong, smart and bold.

Who We Are
Girls Incorporated of West Contra Costa County is an affiliate of the national Girls Incorporated, the nation's leading voice for girls. We have provided programs and activities for girls in our community since 1974.

When Richmond resident Stevanna Herron donated $1,000 out of her own pocket in 1975 to create a place for the girls in Richmond, Ca, she had no idea how big a difference Girls Inc. would make to the Richmond community. For over a year, Herron, a longtime community activist along with a cadre of local women in tihe community, sold spaghetti dinners to make the down payment for a place where girls could realize their dreams.

Lorraine Milam, then City of Richmond employee remembers, “We just wanted to find a safe place for girls in Richmond. We looked for a long time to find a location that would meet the needs of the girls.”
The group decided to purchase the 260 Broadway site, in Richmond, California. Adjacent to the historic MacDonald Avenue Corridor, their original building was a 1920’s house which had been remodeled to be used as a hair salon. This homey environment fits in nicely with the Girls Inc. promise to be a “home away from home.”

Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County has served thousands of West County girls over the past 30 years. Many of the girls are second and third generation members. At Girls Inc of West Contra Costa County, girls can learn about math and science, economic literacy, network with professional women, and receive tutorial and homework help, as well as professional development and academic encouragement. The center is also home to a job readiness internship program that offers teen volunteers and program aides the opportunity to shadow senior staff and gain work experience for resumes.
Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County has also produced nearly a dozen national scholars in the past seven years who have gone on to four year colleges.

Over the years, the original building has undergone many changes. Originally known as the “Richmond Girls Club”, in 1985 the agency changed its name to Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County. Under the Executive Directorship of Gayla Edgerly, and with the help and support of PG&E and Chevron, a playground and computer laboratory was installed in 1994 and 1997. In 2003, with help from the Ed and Susan Lowe Foundation, the main office, bathrooms and classrooms have been recently remodeled to accommodate the growing needs of the agency.

In May of 2003, Girls Incorporated of WCCC celebrated over 30 years in the community with a mortgage burning party. The celebration was attended by over 60 community members including founder Stevanna Herron and Richmond Mayor Irma Anderson.

The Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County story is one of pride, promise, and purpose. As we continue to grow in the future, we need only look to the tenacity of our founding mothers and their legacy as an example of the infinite possibility of “girl power”.

What We Do
Girls Inc. offers a nurturing and supportive environment where girls enjoy programs and activities that provide the tools to face tough issues facing young women. Our programs include:

Who We Serve
Each year Girls Inc. serves more than 6,000 youth and their families through programs offered at over 50 schools and community sites. We continue to reach out to girls who need us most: