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Girlthink asks county for support for center-based programming after successful outreach
Summary
Girlthink executive director Susan Stahl briefed county leaders on the nonprofit’s expansion into Southwestern neighborhoods, cited enrollment of 76 girls in a playground outreach program and asked the county to consider funding to sustain center-based programming.
Susan Stahl, executive director of Girlthink in Madison, asked county leaders to consider funding to sustain the nonprofit’s center-based programming and provided a 2024 program review. "Our mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold," Stahl said, describing the group’s three program pillars: academic enrichment and support, healthy living and life skills. She said the organization now operates outreach in Southwestern neighborhoods and reported that "between Southwestern and deputy, we have 76 girls enrolled" in a short playground program focused on relationship-building.
Stahl told the council she had provided a 2024 review with photographs and statistics and that the group had been named affiliate of the year by its national organization. She said that since COVID the outreach program has grown and is funded by a legacy grant, but that the current ask before the county is to support center-based programming; she also said she had provided financial statements for 2024 and the approved 2025 budget and would supply the requested 2026 guidance when available. "I sent a...2024 review," Stahl said, and added she would follow up with the budget material the county requested.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the submitted materials and timing. A county staff member confirmed they had the 2024 review and financials but asked for a specific budgeted ask and guidance for 2026; Stahl agreed to provide the missing budget documents to the county office. No formal action was taken during the presentation; the request will be considered as part of the budget review process.
Stahl emphasized the program’s short-form playground work with second- and third-graders, saying it temporarily replaces playground time with sessions on friendship skills and relationship building. She also noted the national recognition the affiliate received at its conference. The presentation ended with an agreement to supply the additional budget materials requested by county staff for inclusion in upcoming budget deliberations.
