Local group making sure every girl has an opportunity to be a Girl Scout

Thousands of young girls in our area are gaining skills that will help them now and in the future thanks to the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.

Action News Jax stopped by one of the troops on the Westside, where they’re learning about public speaking.

These Girl Scouts are some of the 3,500 girls in our area who are given the opportunity to learn life skills, including goal setting, decision-making, people skills and so much more.

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“To respect my life and to respect other people’s lives,” said a Girl Scout.

Another girl said, "Girl Scouts got me a long way in life so far." 
 
"We have girls who simply can't afford to be a Girl Scout, so we reach out to the community and seek their support," said Mary Anne Jacobs, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.

Jacobs believes every girl deserves to be a Girl Scout, no matter what their ZIP code is. Programs are offered at community centers, Department of Housing and Urban Development housing developments, Title I schools, PAL sites, and even homeless shelters.
 
"So girls literally can walk from their neighborhood right to their Girl Scout troop," said Jacobs.

These girls have big dreams and are thankful for the opportunity to join an organization that gives them hope.

"I don't know what I would do without Girl Scouts. Yeah, I don't know what I would do, because it's like life," said a Girl Scout.
 
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