Stats

Girls Mentored

Trained Adult Mentors

100% of GNI girls surveyed say that they feel better equipped with tools to handle depression in a healthy way because of our GNI program. 100% of GNI girls surveyed say they have greater respect for their bodies and are less likely to give themselves away sexually because of our GNI teaching. 96% of GNI girls surveyed say that because of our GNI program, they are less likely to turn to addictive substances in their pain.

Testimonials

Lives changed for the better with Girls Nite In International.

“GNI is like family to me. My mom died of a drug overdose. My stepdad is in jail now. I live with my grandmother – and she doesn’t really want me. Says she can’t wait til I graduate and get out of her house. GNI is the only place where I feel like I matter. The only place I feel loved…”

Allison (Age 15, Grade 9)

“I was in a relationship with an abusive boyfriend. What I thought was love… was actually really manipulation and control. Jimme taught us that ‘Not everyone who wants to be in your life… should be!’ It’s OK to not give permission for some people to be in your life. GNI taught me to value myself, be confident… and get rid of him!”

Sarah (Age 16, Grade 10)

“My mom abandoned our family when I was really young. I have never known a mother’s love. I was uneducated in the realm of womanhood… until I was adopted by a whole GNI team of loving mothers/mentors. I have never been showered with so much love…”

Meghan (Age 18, Grade 12)

“I usually don’t like to talk about my dad and his death. But when I was 4, my whole life changed when my dad committed suicide. It still hurts… but people don’t see and realize my pain. Jimme doesn’t just talk about the topic, but she teaches us how to deal with our pain and not turn to addictions or ways of coping that will destroy us. I want to take GNI back to Germany with me to help all my friends like I’ve been helped… please?”

Julia (Age 16, Grade 11, German Exchange Student)

“Jimme always says at our GNI meetings – the well-known quote – ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.’ Well, I have that taped to my mirror in my apartment so I never forget that God only made one me, and that no matter how much I would love to be someone else, someone prettier, someone smarter… the girls of Girls Nite In don’t want someone prettier, someone smarter… they just want me. Broken and lost… they still want me.”

Ali (young teen mom)

“Girls Nite In saved me from being the girl that has anorexia and cuts because the pain is just overwhelming. It is my safe place.”

Nicole (college student)

“GNI has shown me that there is a way out of depression. There are so many mentors at GNI who love, support and help me.”

Aubrey (6th grade)

“Because of GNI, I’ve learned to be wiser about the things I decide to do with my mind and body.”

Antonette (11th grade)

“GNI has shown me that using drugs to hide your pain doesn’t take the pain away. I need to run to God with my problems.”

Brebre (12th grade)

Community Support

Jess Abeln, President/CEO, Defender Direct

“I am passionate about the mission of Girls Nite In and fully supportive of the great work you do! I will be partnering in every way I can…discussing great things we can do together! I am so impressed with the scope of your vision and the exploding expansion across the nation and around the globe! I am all in!”

Kathleen N. Spears, PhD, Former President & CEO, Cancer Support Community

“I attended the GNI International Gala as a guest of Charlotte Lucas and was really impressed with the powerful mission of Girls Nite In (GNI). They help girls experiencing extraordinary circumstances recast their life’s trajectory. As a child of near poverty who lost both parents at a very early age – I could have very easily taken a different path so I know how important it is to have a strong underpinning to guide your footsteps in life. GNI is that underpinning for many girls here in Indianapolis.”

Charlotte Lucas, Executive VP/Co-Owner, Lucas Oil, Inc.

“I wish there had been something like Girls Nite In when I was growing up! I wouldn’t have made some of the bad choices and mistakes I did! We need to get this Girls Nite In program into every community across the country…”

Matt Shockley, Principal Avon High School, Avon, IN

“Having a daughter of my own in middle school, I can relate to the need for a program just like this, knowing the challenges that are being faced. As the new high school principal for Avon High School, you have my full support.”

Dr. Jeffrey K. Butts, Superintendent of Schools, The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township

“As a Superintendent of Schools, I am constantly working with staff to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students… I first learned of Girls Nite In International two years ago and sent a group of my secondary guidance counselors to their annual event… I discovered very quickly that I had to find a way to engage as many of my teenage girls as possible. After meeting with Jimmelynn, I offered the usage of the Chapel Hill 7/8 Grade Center, without charge, for the 2013- 2014 Schedule to provide them with more space and provide my students with greater access to the program. In addition, I have strongly encouraged the teachers and staff in my district to get involved… As educators, there is no question that GNI fills a huge gap in what public schools can offer our teenage girls socially and emotionally.”