As the new year kicked off, IBJI CARES, IBJI's philanthropic arm, took a moment to celebrate a transformative year-long partnership with Girls on the Run (GOTR) Chicago with a gift of $50,000. This collaboration supported GOTR's mission to inspire young girls through a curriculum that integrates physical activity with social-emotional learning, confidence-building and resilience in participants across Chicagoland.
Making an Impact Where It's Needed Most
In 2024, IBJI's contributions directly supported GOTR’s efforts to provide free programming for girls from low-income communities. These funds were critical as GOTR shifted its focus post-pandemic, responding to the growing demand for equitable access to their health and wellness programs.
"Pre-pandemic, 50% of our participants came from high-net-worth communities, and 50% came from low-income communities," shared Jill Eid, GOTR's executive director. "Post-pandemic, we saw a massive increase in demand from low-income communities, prompting us to adjust our strategy. IBJI's support helped us serve girls who needed access to safe spaces, mentorship, and resources to thrive."
The funds facilitated scholarships, running shoes, and other essential resources, ensuring that participation was entirely free for these girls. In total, GOTR served over 4,800 participants across the Chicago area, with programming available not only in urban areas but also in suburban communities impacted by rising poverty and gentrification.
A Holistic Approach to Growth
Girls on the Run programs consist of 10-week sessions featuring 20 research-based lessons. These lessons are designed to foster self-awareness, team-building, and community engagement while preparing participants to complete a celebratory 5K event.
"Our curriculum emphasizes a growth mindset over performance," Eid continued. "It’s about celebrating personal achievements and resilience. With IBJI's support, we could introduce a new curriculum this year and ensure our trauma-informed coaching and social-emotional learning framework reached more girls than ever before."
Long-Term Outcomes and Future Aspirations
The impact of GOTR’s programming is far-reaching. Girls are surveyed before and after each season to measure their growth in key social-emotional learning metrics. Eid noted, "We have proven outcomes. The data shows that these programs make a lasting difference in the lives of participants. IBJI’s investment has helped us create a legacy of empowered young women."
The partnership also fosters a cycle of giving back, as many past participants return as volunteers, coaches, and advocates for the program. Whether through direct involvement or raising funds as charity athletes, the alumni’s continued engagement highlights the transformative power of the program.
A Call for Continued Support
IBJI’s collaboration with GOTR demonstrates the profound impact of investing in community well-being. "Our girls today are going to be the women of tomorrow," Eid explained. "It’s our collective responsibility to ensure their success."
For more information on GOTR’s data-driven results and how you can support their mission, visit GOTR Chicago’s website.