Girls on the Run!
Liz Fones, Counsel Director
Girls on the Run of the Lehigh Valley is celebrating its 14th year in 2021. Launched in the Lehigh Valley by Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries, they held their first GOTR program at Jefferson Elementary School in Allentown School District in 2007. They are happy to say that not only is Jefferson Elementary still hosting a successful GOTR program, it is doing so along with over 60 other sites in the Lehigh Valley. The program has grown from serving 15 girls in its first season to over 900 girls in 2019. The plan is to have an impact on the lives of over 1000 girls in 3rd-8th grade by 2021!
Director Liz Fones states, “At Girls on the Run, our core values guide our way and we stand firm in our long-standing commitment to building a world where every person can know and activate their limitless potential. We value the dignity and humanity of all people and are dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible (IDEA) organization”
GOTRLV has had the support of the W5K Classic for over 10 years.
“GOTRLV is so grateful for the support of the Women’s 5K Classic,” says Fones. The financial support has helped them to never turn away a participant due to financial struggles. And, in addition to financial support, the volunteer commitment from coaches to running buddies makes this a partnership that is so important to our participants and to the community.
Their program has improved confidence and self-esteem in young women, as well as increased physical activity and overall mental and physical health.