Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization. Fort Smith’s location has been in operation for over 90 years.
The History of Girls Inc. of Fort Smith
Girls Inc. of Fort Smith was established in 1934 as a vision in improving the quality of life for girls in the community. After raising funds and seeking help from the WPA, the Belle Grove Center was opened in 1941 and served as a place to provide clothing, halt needs, and recreation for underprivileged girls.
As a way to empower more girls within the area, the Nancy Orr Girls Club opened in 1970. Named appropriately after Nancy Orr, who paved the way for so many young girls. Through her sacrifice, many young ladies today are able to advocate for themselves and for their community by using their voices to promote positive change.
Today, Girls Inc. of Fort Smith operates out of The Nancy Orr Center as well as embarking in Outreach Initiatives within the Fort Smith Public Schools.
Learn more about our 90-year impact in the video below!
Our Mission
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Our Vision
Powerful girls in an equitable society.
Our Values
Recognize and support the strength in every girl.
Respect the dignity of each human being and demonstrate genuine care and concern for the well-being of others.
Understand and appreciate diversity, embrace inclusiveness, and advance equity.
Drive for results anchored in integrity and accountability.
Collaborate for impact.
Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada.
Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.