About Girls Inc.

Our History

The Girls Club of Columbus opened the doors of its first location in 1952, a dream come true for the Quota Club of Columbus. Their leadership, vision and commitment resulted in the development of a warm and nurturing environment for area girls at the Kolb Avenue site that continues to thrive today. The South Columbus Branch, now known as the Garrard Memorial Center, was opened in 1961. Continuing to aggressively meet the growing needs of the community, the Girls Club expanded with on-site locations in selected public housing communities. In 1988 the Booker T. Washington Center opened, followed by the opening of the Baker Village Center in 1989.

In 1992, Girls Club joined Girls Incorporated, a national organization for Girls Clubs throughout the country. This affiliation opened many doors for outstanding educational programs and scholarship opportunities for our girls as well as excellent training for our staff.

In 1999, following a merger with Phenix-Russell Girls Club, our name changed to Girls Incorporated of Columbus and Phenix-Russell. A successful first-ever capital campaign was completed in 2000 and made it possible to build the Baker Center, a state-of-the-art facility located near Baker Village, and also make major renovations to the Kolb and Garrard Centers. Today, Girls Inc. serves over 1,500 girls from the Columbus area.

Our Vision

Empowered girls in an equitable society.

Our Membership

Girls Incorporated accepts girls for membership ages six through eighteen. To obtain membership, a parent or guardian must accompany the girl to the center and complete an application. The annual membership fee at all centers is $10.00 per girl. There is an additional fee for the summer program. All Girls Incorporated centers are open five days a week year round.