Empowering the Future: How Girls at Work Builds Confidence, Leadership, and Community

In Manchester, New Hampshire, a remarkable nonprofit is changing the lives of young girls through the power of woodworking. Girls at Work, Inc. provides under-resourced girls with hands-on building experience, instilling confidence and resilience through the mastery of power tools. Thanks to key partnerships, including one with Granite United Way, the organization continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact.

We sat down with Kaylee Richard, the organization’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Development Coordinator, and asked her a few questions about the critical work they are doing in our Southern Region:

What impact have you seen on the girls who participate in your programs? Can you share a specific story?

I’m a testament to the impact of Girls at Work. I started as a participant when I was eight and have been involved for over a decade. When I first joined, I couldn’t afford the program, but my afterschool director made it happen. Over the years, I went from being a shy kid unsure of my leadership potential to teaching classes, building projects, and eventually becoming the Program Director in high school.

I’ve grown so much personally and academically, and I’ve had opportunities I never imagined. I even helped organize a career day for local businesses, connecting over 200 girls with real-world career experiences. One story that stands out is when I struggled in high school, but Girls at Work helped me get back on track. My grades improved and I eventually took on leadership roles, which I never thought I could do.

What challenges do the girls in your programs face, and how does Girls at Work help them overcome these obstacles?

Many of our girls face challenges related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as trauma. These experiences can impact brain development and how they process emotions. At Girls at Work, we create a positive and supportive environment where they can rebuild confidence and engage their minds. By learning to use power tools and building projects, they tackle tough tasks, which helps them realize they are capable of overcoming life's challenges. It’s about giving them the tools to succeed, both physically and emotionally.

How has the partnership with Granite United Way supported your organization's growth and mission?

Our partnership with Granite United Way has been invaluable. The grant we received for our STEAM programming helped us establish a strong foundation. We’re now able to offer more targeted programming for middle schoolers and shift to offering workshops during the school day. This partnership has helped us refine our approach and reach more girls, especially with our goal of preparing them for the workforce.

How do you find the girls who participate in your programs?

We work closely with local schools, particularly in the Manchester School District. Our guidance counselors help identify girls who need our support, and we also collaborate with partner organizations like ACERT and the Child Advocacy Center for referrals. We also offer open enrollment on our website to reach girls outside of the school system. Word of mouth and community connections have been key to bringing in participants as well.

How can individuals or businesses get involved in supporting your work?

We rely on volunteers and donations from local businesses. For example, we have a Kindness Room where we accept food and toiletry donations from businesses like Trader Joe’s and Angela’s Pasta Shop. Businesses can also host donation drives, and we’ll provide boxes and lists of items that can be donated. We’ve worked with businesses like T.D. Bank, where they placed donation boxes in multiple branches, helping us stock our shelves for a month. Businesses can also partner with us to sponsor events, provide internships, or help fund our programs.

What do you wish more people knew about Girls at Work and the impact you have on young girls?

Girls at Work is about so much more than woodworking. It’s about building confidence, self-worth, and resilience in young girls. We provide them with the essentials—like new clothes and food—that many of them may not otherwise have access to. We want them to know they are worthy of having the best, and we aim to provide that in every way. It’s not just about learning how to build; it’s about teaching them that they can take on life’s challenges with strength and confidence.

You can support Girls at Work and other community-focused initiatives by giving through Granite United Way. Click here to make your impacting gift today!