Ladies of Virtue (LOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black girls ages 9 to 18 in underserved communities in Chicago. LOV’s mission is to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance, preparing them for college, careers, and community leadership. Its programs are designed to boost Black girls’ confidence and skills through one-on-one and group mentoring, leadership and professional development, and mental health support. Ladies of Virtue began with 6 girls in 2011 and now serves over 2,000 young women and girls annually. Since its founding over 13 years ago, LOV has impacted more than 8,000 girls and their families in Chicago.
LOV recognizes that all girls have talent, drive, and interest, but many systemic barriers can prevent them from achieving their full potential. Of its participants, 96 percent are Black girls from high-poverty communities like South Shore, where 1 in 2 children live in poverty and the median household income is $26,906—less than half the U.S. average. Many of these young women face significant mental health challenges, exacerbated by the pandemic and rising community violence. The organization seeks to support girls through these challenges and to dispel common stereotypes which depict Black girls as needing less protection and nurturing. LOV’s unique community-based model integrates Black culture into all programming to offer support specific to Black girls’ needs.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support LOV’s program expansion to Hyde Park Academy High School, adjacent to the future Obama Presidential Center. The new LOV Club will engage approximately 20 girls in a nine-month curriculum aligned with Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards and 21st Century Skills. This includes weekly workshops, educational/career exploration field trips, and a multi-month service learning project. Under the guidance of LOV facilitators and community partners, girls will address issues like nutrition, mental health, or human trafficking. This hands-on project will enhance job readiness, collaboration, project management, research, and communication skills, while providing invaluable interactions with accomplished women of color from a diverse range of professional fields. To further empower the participants, a project management organization will provide specialized training and public speaking opportunities, equipping girls to effectively present their projects to their school, community, and local business executives. Recognizing the importance of holistic wellbeing, the program also integrates mental health workshops by a licensed clinician and provides additional in-house mental health support.
LOV believes in the importance and power of nurturing and empowering young Black girls, enabling them to pursue their passions and achieve their highest potential.
For more information about Ladies of Virtue, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
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