Our History

For over 50 years, our mission of providing girls in grades K-12 in West Polk County with a supportive space to learn, play, and grow has not changed. Our beginnings were humble.

Our program started in an old World War II army barracks that had been renovated too many times. The need for a program like ours in the Lakeland Community was evident and our enrollment expanded such that the old barracks could no longer support our program. After a successful million dollar capital campaign in 1987-1988, we moved into a new 5,000 square foot facility equipped with classrooms, a three-workstation kitchen, a dance room, a large multi-purpose game room, a playground, and an outdoor swimming pool. The new facility greatly enhanced our ability to serve our community. Throughout the years, we have provided outreach programs in local churches or in partnership with the Lakeland Housing Authority to reach as many girls as possible.  Girls Inc. of Lakeland has a rich history of assessing and meeting the community’s need.

For example, in 2013, we expanded our services to Bartow and the neighboring communities when we purchased a vacated daycare facility. This location served the Bartow and surrounding communities for over five years.  However, in July 2020, the Bartow facility was sold due to low enrollment during the pandemic

Another example of how Girls Inc. has adjusted to meet the community’s needs, was during the pandemic when our facilities were closed as a result of the Governor’s order.  We immediately engaged in virtual activities to keep the girls and their families involved. Every week we performed wellness checks-calling the girls to make sure they were safe and thriving. We provided them with meals, free childcare, and any other resources that we knew were available in the community.

We are thankful that our parents continue to entrust their daughters in our care. Our level of quality programming since our humble beginnings in the former barracks for girls has not diminished. Our mission remains-inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

When it comes to embracing our history, we can’t do it without acknowledging Mr. George Jenkins, founder of Publix Supermarkets.  Mr. George, as he was affectionately known, was a huge supporter of Girls Inc. of Lakeland and his legacy continues through our relationship with Publix Supermarkets and Publix Supermarket Charities.  Also, we owe much of our existence to Mrs. Bert Ballard, founder of the Girls Club of Lakeland and her daughter Lyn Clery, who served as a long-time board member, chair of the Capital Campaign Facilities Committee,  and board president.