LOWELL — After a challenging year for the organization marked by constant questions about where it would host its programming, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell seems to have found some breathing room thanks to help from state and local officials.
CEO Bopha Malone said the challenges began in the winter of 2023, when a pipe burst in their 220 Worthen St. facility and destroyed a lot of their programming spaces. Operations were temporarily halted before they could begin offering after school programming for young girls in a much smaller, temporary space.
Later, in September 2023 at the start of after-school programming, Malone said they discovered a large amount of asbestos in the facility, forcing them to again close so it could be remediated. Closing down has downstream effects on each of the families of the girls who come to Girls Inc., Malone said.
In December, Stoklosa Middle School Principal James Cardaci allowed Girls Inc. to operate out of the school for their after-school programming, until the summer when the school would need the space for its own programs.
“Having to close affects a lot of families, and their work. It all trickles down,” said Malone. “Being able to use the Stoklosa School was so helpful.”
For summer programming space, Malone said state Sen. Ed Kennedy assisted in finding a new space, and Middlesex Community College President Phil Sisson offered space at the college for the summer, though that plan hit a snag.
“MCC offered us a space for that, but we couldn’t get it licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care,” said Malone in a July 8 phone call. “And then we were scrambling.”
Cardaci then allowed for a one-week extension to allow Girls Inc. to start its summer programming on time on June 24, which Malone said bought them time to secure a license to delay construction at 220 Worthen St. and operate out of their own site for the rest of the summer.
“The support and understanding shown by Principal Cardaci and Stoklosa School, the efforts of Ed Kennedy and his office, and other partners who have helped us during this challenging time have been invaluable to Girls Inc.,” said Malone in a July 8 statement. “Their collaboration has allowed us to continue providing essential services and support to girls and their families, ensuring their well-being and empowerment.”
Cardaci said the decision to allow Girls Inc. to use the school for its programming was an easy one, especially as the school has sometimes recommended certain students to get involved in their programming.
“Some of the programs they offer have helped out some of the girls from the school,” said Cardaci in a July 9 phone call. “Any time you can get a student, that is maybe shy or anxious, involved in something, that program will rise to the top.”
Malone expressed gratitude for the help and partnerships she has found with the Lowell community, in particular Kennedy and his staffers, Patti Kirwin-Keilty and Lowell School Committee member Dominik Lay, as well as Lowell City Manager Tom Golden and the city’s Department of Planning and Development, Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner, LPS Chief Operating Officer James Hall and Cardaci
“I am just super grateful for the partnerships. It’s one of the great things about Lowell, it is such a big community but everybody comes together and helps each other,” said Malone. “What has been really nice is that, while we have been struggling, throughout this process I haven’t ever felt like I was alone. They all pulled together to help us.”
When Girls Inc. transitions from their summer schedule to their after-school programming in September, Malone said they will return to the Stoklosa School while construction resumes at 220 Worthen St.
Girls Inc. offers young girls programs in areas like reading literacy, economic literacy, science and math, as well as more active programs during the summer.