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United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties Continues Longtime Support of Girl Scouts Programs

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce continued funding from United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties, reinforcing a decades-long partnership that empowers girls through leadership development, STEM education, and financial accessibility to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

United Way has been instrumental in supporting Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The most recent funding allocations will directly enhance programming in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties by covering membership fees, troop supplies, and program scholarships for families facing financial hardships.

This year, United Way’s funding also helped launch the Mad Lab STEM Program, a hands-on initiative designed to engage girls in science, technology, engineering, and math through immersive learning experiences. The Mad Lab STEM Day at Camp Caloosa in Lee County, hosted in December, introduced Girl Scouts to robotics, engineering challenges, virtual exploration, and interactive science experiments. The girls gained skills and knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.

“United Way’s steadfast partnership allows us to expand our reach and provide life-changing experiences for girls who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, our unique, results-driven curriculum, girls develop practical skills in leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving—giving them a lifelong advantage in any path they choose. Whether they’re exploring STEM, taking on entrepreneurship, or leading service projects, they gain confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation that will serve them well into adulthood.”

Through this partnership, Girl Scouts in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties will continue to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and engage in meaningful service projects that strengthen their communities.

Community Foundation Grant Empowers Economically Disadvantaged Girls in Sarasota County Through Girl Scouts

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Sarasota, FL – Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce a transformative grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Athena Progressive Giving Circle. This grant will enable the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s  Promise Fund to provide critical financial assistance to economically disadvantaged girls in Sarasota County. This funding will ensure access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), a proven model for building courage, confidence, and character in girls.

The Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s grant will empower K-5 grade girls to develop essential skills, including self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Through the GSLE, girls will engage in hands-on, girl-led, and cooperative learning opportunities designed to inspire them to discover their strengths, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place.

“This grant from Athena will open doors for girls in Sarasota County to participate in Girl Scouts, regardless of their economic background,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience transforms lives, and with this support, we’ll continue to shape the next generation of confident, empowered leaders.”

The GSLE emphasizes:

  • Girl-Led Learning: Girls take the lead, from choosing their activities to achieving their goals.
  • Hands-On Discovery: Interactive experiences help girls build resilience and confidence.
  • Collaborative Growth: Teamwork and mutual respect foster a sense of belonging and shared success.

Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s mission is to fund impactful programs that improve the lives of women and girls in the community. By supporting Girl Scouts, Athena is investing in a sustainable, measurable approach to enhancing young girls’ self-worth and leadership potential.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.