PITTSBURGH -- According to a 2013 "State of Girls" study, 42% of girls in the United States live in low-income families, with 1 out of every 5 living below the poverty line, increasing their risk to encounter physical, emotional and behavioral hurdles.
Since 2002, Gwen's Girls, a Pittsburgh nonprofit organization has been helping more than five-thousand young girls avoid these negative experiences.
Gwen's Girls offers gender specific after-school programs, providing a safe space where girls and young women can form relationships, build self-esteem and gain resiliency.
The organization was founded by Gwen Elliott, a retired Pittsburgh Police Sergeant and Commander.
Four years ago Gwen's daughter Kathi became the organization's Chief Executive Officer. After building a career in nursing, Elliott is now leading the mission her mother started.
Elliott recently appeared on "Issues on the Point" to discuss their current after-school programs and opportunities along with new public policy projects.
For more information, visit Gwen's Girls online.
Watch "Issues on the Point" every Sunday morning at 6:30 on 22 the Point.
