VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Young women across South Georgia can unlock their power and potential with Girls on the Run International.

The South Georgia chapter covers 44 counties, and trained coaches get girls moving and talking through fun programs and projects. Part of a $30,000 grant awarded by Norfolk Southern Grant Programs will specifically support the Girls on the Run South Georgia scholarship program, allowing girls locally to participate in character-building and community projects.

“This help from Norfolk Southern is tremendous. It is going to absolutely amplify our impact and allow girls to participate that otherwise not be able to,” Mary Crawford, Girls on the Run South Georgia Director said. “We are all facing limited funds, so when Norfolk Southern advertised that this grant was available we certainly applied and suggested that they help us meet our scholarship needs. We don’t charge what it takes for us to deliver our program. We charge a reasonable fee that we feel like hopefully most people can pay and then we look for the gap money.”

For the last decade, Girls on the Run South Georgia has served over 1,200 girls — with a focus on reaching girls at what they consider to be a pivotal moment in adolescence.

“The need for a trusted adult and the connection that can be made in a team-like atmosphere and lessons we can teach on how to be a friend, how to make a friend, how to resolve a conflict. We teach the girls how to grow into the team and then become a part of their community,” Crawford said.

Internationally, Girls on the Run has transformed more than 2.25 million lives since 1996. This year, Norfolk Southern awarded the organization through its Thriving Communities Grant program.

“We selected Girls on the Run just because of the work that they do and helping adolescents across Georgia, awesome organization,” Kristin Wong, Norfolk Southern Director of Community Impact, said.

Valdosta Fire Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office are recipients of Norfolk’s Safety First grant program.

Both grants are awarded to organizations that promote safe and sustainable operations, develop local workforce, and build strong, resilient communities.

“It just really aligns with who we are as a company. You know we really take pride in the role we play in helping our community thrive and I think these two programs are just a testament to that,” Wong said.

As Girls on the Run South Georgia celebrates 10 years, they are on the mission for #10More.

“We are looking to open 10 more teams, 10 new sites, recruit 10 coaches, 10 more volunteers, sign up 10 more girls across the region,” Crawford.

Girls on the Run spring season kicks off in February. There is still time for girls to find a team and for you to volunteer.

The end of the season 5K is on Saturday, April 12, at Wiregrass Technical College.

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