For Immediate Release:

Girls on the Run Worcester County will receive a $1,000 grant issued by The Starbucks Foundation as part of their Neighborhood Grants program.  The Neighborhood Grants program strengthens community connection and aims to support organizations addressing homelessness, fighting hunger, and supporting youth and families.  Starbucks partners and employees were asked to nominate organizations for the grant demonstrating important work in these areas.

During Starbucks' 'Season of Cheer' in December 2022, Girls on the Run Worcester County was nominated by Starbucks Division Development Manager Sheree Richards to receive support and recognition for the organization's work in encouraging social, emotional, and physical empowerment of young girls.  Over 20,000 nominations were made across the United States and Canada, and Girls on the Run Worcester County was one of just 2,000 non-profits selected.

"We are grateful to receive the Starbucks Neighborhood Grant," said Karen Spencer, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Worcester County.  "This grant will impact many girls across Worcester County, providing them the resources they need to build a confident and empowering future here in our community.:

Spencer continued, "Sheree Richards has been a long-time supporter of our program.  She has provided mentorship and guidance to our council at the business level, volunteers her talents at many events, and champions our cause every chance she gets.  Thank you, Sheree!

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade.  During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.  For more information about Girls on the Run Worcester County, please visit www.gotr-worc.org.