Last year, girls across New Jersey found strength in the skills they learned at Girls on the Run. Their confidence, inner strength and resilience allowed them to rise during the most trying times.

Throughout the year, with the generous support of our sponsors, Girls on the Run NJ East found creative ways to support girls. In spring 2020, we adapted to a virtual program, providing video lessons and at-home activities to girls. By fall, we hosted live, virtual lessons twice a week for girls across our five counties. Both seasons ended with celebratory, virtual 5K events.

“The events of 2020 have deepened our resolve to provide girls with the opportunity to develop resilience and confidence,” said Board Chair Ann Brodow. “We are more agile, more passionate and more committed to our mission of empowering girls than ever before.”

The pandemic plus social pressures have led to stress, depression and loneliness among adolescent girls. Now more than ever, the social-emotional lessons and physical activity of Girls on the Run provides a safe, inclusive and joyful space for girls to thrive. 

As we prepare for a return to in-person programming in April, we have adapted our proven curriculum to meet all health and safety guidelines, and with the support of our generous sponsors, we are poised to rebuild our program across the region.

We are pleased to release our annual 2020 Gratitude Report, which shines a light on the impact our donors have made in the lives of girls. We invite you to reflect on our accomplishments over the past year, made possible by our supporters, as we all joyfully prepare to reach more girls in 2021.

For 20 years, Girls on the Run NJ East has inspired girls to be healthy, joyful and confident. In that time, we have reached more than 20,000 girls in Essex, Morris, Union, Burlington and Mercer counties. With your ongoing support, we hope to reach thousands more! 

Read the full Gratitude Report HERE.