Supporting Girls In Need

Over 27% of the girls served by Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas & Northwest Missouri (GSKSMO) live in low or moderately low-income households. As the number of girls living in poverty continues to rise, GSKSMO has adapted its programs to address barriers that prevent many girls and their families from fully participating in Girl Scouts. Through a range of supports—from financial assistance for membership dues and supplies to troop leadership by trained staff, volunteers, and teachers—GSKSMO strives to make Girl Scouts accessible and impactful for all girls, especially those from underserved communities.

Addressing A Growing Mental Health Crisis

Recent studies highlight a concerning mental health crisis among adolescent girls. According to a February 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of girls who consistently feel sad or hopeless increased from 35% in 2011 to 57% in 2021. Additionally, 30% have seriously considered suicide, marking a 60% increase over the last decade. Sexual violence against girls has also risen by 20% in four years, with 18% reporting experiences of such trauma. These alarming statistics demonstrate the urgent need for community programs that offer emotional support and resilience-building opportunities for girls.

Girl Scouts provides exactly that—a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where girls can connect with peers who share similar experiences and feelings. This sense of belonging and peer support is essential to helping girls manage emotional challenges and grow stronger mentally and socially.

Meeting The Needs Of Girls In Jackson County

In Jackson County, Missouri, the challenges facing girls are intensified by economic and social disparities. Girls living in low-income neighborhoods face higher risks of substance abuse, violence, delinquency, and school dropout. These risks are often linked to broader issues such as racial inequality, gender inequity, and economic disadvantage.

GSKSMO recognizes the importance of addressing these intersecting challenges through targeted, culturally responsive programming. The Girl Scouts program offers girls opportunities to build critical life skills, develop leadership, and experience personal growth. By providing emotional and social support alongside practical education, Girl Scouts helps girls in Jackson County overcome the barriers they face and achieve their full potential.

A Continuum Of Support Tailored To Every Girl

GSKSMO’s approach is grounded in offering a continuum of support tailored to the diverse needs of girls and families. This includes:

• Direct Financial Assistance: Reducing financial barriers by covering membership dues and program supplies.
• Staff-Led Troops: Offering troops led by trained, paid staff who provide consistent, structured guidance.
• Volunteer-Led Troops: Supporting troops led by dedicated volunteers from the community.
• Teacher Stipend Troops: Partnering with schools to integrate Girl Scouts programming during school hours, with teachers compensated for their leadership roles.

This flexible model ensures that every girl has access to a supportive troop environment regardless of her family’s financial or social circumstances.

Building Resilience Through Comprehensive Programming

Girl Scouts offers a wide range of programs designed to nurture girls’ mental wellness, confidence, and skills for life. Key areas of focus include:

• Mental Wellness: Activities and peer support aimed at promoting emotional health and resilience.
• STEM Education: Hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math to spark curiosity and career interest.
• Life Skills: Lessons in communication, financial literacy, and healthy decision-making.
• Entrepreneurship: Programs like the Girl Scout Cookie Sale teach business skills and confidence.
• Civic Engagement: Encouraging girls to be active, responsible members of their communities.
• Outdoor Learning: Opportunities to explore nature, build teamwork, and develop leadership in safe, supervised settings.

Through this comprehensive curriculum, Girl Scouts empowers girls to develop a strong sense of self, build healthy relationships, and prepare for future success.

A Proven Model For Positive Impact

By providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering space, Girl Scouts directly addresses the social and emotional needs of girls facing adversity. This support is particularly vital given the increased rates of mental health challenges and risky behaviors reported in Jackson County.

The program’s structured environment fosters positive peer connections, which research shows are crucial for adolescent well-being. Additionally, Girl Scouts equips girls with practical skills and leadership opportunities that help reduce risks of substance use, violence, and school dropout.

Committing To Equity & Access

GSKSMO is deeply committed to serving girls from diverse backgrounds, especially those impacted by poverty and systemic inequities. By prioritizing access for girls in underserved neighborhoods, the organization helps close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities.

This commitment aligns with public health recommendations, such as the CDC’s call for renewed school-based and community programs that support youth mental health and wellness.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Reach & Impact

The ongoing mental health crisis among girls underscores the importance of sustained investment in programs like Girl Scouts. GSKSMO continues to evolve and expand its offerings to meet growing needs, ensuring that girls in Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri receive the support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.

By fostering resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging, Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas & Northwest Missouri is making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of girls each year—helping to build healthier communities today and leaders for tomorrow.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.