Girls Inc. program participants and leaders
In a little over a year since joining Providence Village, Girls Inc. Limestone has become an important part of our growing community of care. As a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting girls, women, and gender-expansive people (girls and women+), Girls Inc. provides free, high-impact programs and services that help participants build confidence, develop skills, and thrive — from after-school programs and summer camps to employment supports and mentorship opportunities.
Founded in 1973 as Big Sisters of Kingston, the organization has grown significantly over the past five decades and now supports more than 1,500 girls and women+ each year across the region. Their mission-aligned approach, focus on empowerment, and commitment to accessible, community-based support strongly reflect the original vision the Sisters of Providence had for Providence Village: a welcoming place where organizations come together to support the wellbeing of individuals and families in our community.
Girls Inc. joined the Village with the goal of being part of a collaborative environment where they could provide accessible, wrap-around services for their participants in close proximity to other supportive community agencies in the Village. We were thrilled to welcome them to the Village and to support them as they continue advancing their mission.
We recently connected with Michelle Fields, Employment Program Manager at Girls Inc. Limestone, to learn more about the organization, the programs and services they provide, and the impact they are making in the lives of girls and women+ across our community.
Can you tell us about Girls Inc. Limestone and how your programs support those who identify as girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals in our community?
Girls Inc. Limestone is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals to reach their full potential. We offer a wide range of supports across different stages of life. This includes employment readiness training, paid work placements, and individualized supports.
We also deliver in-school and after-school Girls’ Education programs that focus on healthy relationships, leadership, and building confidence. All of our Girls’ Ed programming, including our day camps, are offered free of charge to ensure equal access for all participants. These programs provide safe, supportive spaces for learning, connection, and growth. In times of need, we can also provide financial crisis support to help reduce immediate barriers.
Our goal is to meet participants where they’re at and provide the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to move forward in a way that feels meaningful.
Your mission is “Inspiring all girls+ to be strong, smart, and bold.” What does it mean to help participants become “strong, smart, and bold,” and how does that show up in your programs?
“Strong, smart, and bold” is at the core of everything we do.
Strong (Strong & Healthy) means participants are supported in building healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally. This includes developing confidence, caring for their mental well-being, setting boundaries, and building positive habits.
Smart (Smart & Educated) focuses on helping participants build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. We encourage a love of learning, support skill development including STEM, and help prepare participants for future education and career pathways.
Bold (Bold & Independent) is about growing into confident leaders. Participants are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, use their voice, and advocate for themselves and others.
This shows up in how we intentionally design our programs to both support and gently challenge participants. We create environments where individuals feel safe, while also encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones, try new things, and build confidence over time.
We see this growth in powerful ways, whether it’s someone speaking up for themselves for the first time, advocating for their needs, or securing employment they never believed they could achieve. These moments reflect the impact of building confidence, skills, and a strong sense of self.
What are some of the key challenges or barriers girls and women+ are facing today, and how is your organization helping them navigate and overcome these?
Many of the participants we support, both school-aged girls and adults, are navigating complex barriers, including mental health challenges, financial stress, and uncertainty about their future pathways.
For younger participants in our Girls’ Ed programs, these challenges can show up as low confidence, difficulty with peer relationships, or limited access to safe and supportive spaces. Through in-school, after-school, and day camp programming, we focus on building confidence, healthy relationships, and personal safety early on.
For older youth and adults in our employment programs, barriers often relate to entering or re-entering the workforce, accessing mental health support, and managing competing responsibilities.
We take a holistic approach to support our participants. That means we don’t just focus on one outcome; we address the barriers that can get in the way of success. This can include providing bus passes, helping cover childcare costs, connecting participants to counselling, and offering hands-on guidance through job searches and workplace experiences.
By combining practical supports with skill-building and mentorship, we help participants at every stage move forward with greater confidence and stability.
Girls Inc. staff and volunteers
What drew you to Providence Village as a home for your organization?
Providence Village offered more than just a physical space, it offered a sense of connection and shared purpose.
In the past, we have operated in spaces that didn’t fully understand the work we do or the population we serve. At Providence Village, that experience is very different. We don’t just feel accepted, we feel genuinely supported and celebrated for both our work and the individuals we serve.
Being surrounded by organizations that are also focused on community well-being, inclusion, and support aligns closely with our values. The space itself is welcoming and accessible, and it allows us to better serve our participants in an environment that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.
And, in a way, there’s something that just feels right about a feminist organization calling the “Motherhouse” home.
What does it mean to be part of Providence Village and a community of like-minded, mission-driven organizations? How does that differ from a traditional space?
Being part of Providence Village means being part of a collaborative community rather than just occupying office space.
There are natural opportunities to connect, share resources, and support one another’s work, which directly benefits the people we serve. Since being part of the Village, we’ve formed new partnerships with organizations like H’Art Centre and Independent Living Centre Kingston, which have had a meaningful impact on our participants through increased access to programming, supports, and community connection.
Whether it’s informal conversations, referrals, or more formal partnerships, that sense of collaboration makes a real difference. It’s very different from a traditional space where organizations often operate in silos. Here, there’s a shared commitment to making an impact, creating a stronger and more connected support system for the community.
How can community members support Girls Inc. — whether through volunteering, partnerships, or helping to spread the word?
There are many ways to support Girls Inc. Limestone.
Community members can get involved by volunteering their time in our Girls’ Ed programming, partnering with us to provide work placements and inclusive hiring opportunities, or making a donation to help us continue to grow and reach more individuals in need.
We also welcome connections with local businesses and organizations who are interested in learning more about accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Even something as simple as sharing our programs or talking about the work we do helps us reach more people who could benefit from our services. Every connection plays a role in helping participants build brighter futures.
You can learn more about us by going to our website girlsinclimestone.ca or following us on socials @girlsinclimestone.