News Release: 5/4/2026

HOLYOKE, MA — Girls Inc. of the Valley celebrated the Grand Opening of its newly renovated headquarters in Holyoke on Thursday, April 30th, marking a major milestone in expanding opportunities for girls across the region to grow up strong, smart, and bold.

The event welcomed the donors, partners, and community members whose support made the transformation possible, including the organization’s successful fundraising campaign, that secured $7.25 million to complete the building’s renovation. The celebration also highlighted how the new space is already strengthening and expanding the organization’s impact.

Held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the organization’s headquarters at 480 Hampden Street, the evening began with tours of the renovated facility, followed by a program featuring remarks and powerful firsthand stories from youth participants about the impact of Girls Inc. programming

The newly renovated headquarters now serves as a permanent home for the Girls Inc. Experience: a safe, supportive environment where girls gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. With expanded space and resources, Girls Inc. of the Valley has already begun increasing its reach across Holyoke and surrounding communities, expanding evidence-based programming, and deepening partnerships with local organizations.

“This building represented so much more than a renovation; it was a powerful investment in the future of the young people we serve,” said Suzanne Parker, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Valley. “Because of our community’s support, we are expanding access to life-changing programs that help girls grow up strong, smart, and bold.”

The Grand Opening Celebration also served as a springboard for Girls Inc.’s upcoming “Ready or Not, Here They Come” campaign, a bold national movement centered on the power and potential of girls and the importance of investing in their futures.

Kicking off on May 7 as part of Girls Inc. Together Week and the organization’s National Day of Giving, the campaign will mobilize the community through a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer fundraising. Supporters will be invited to become ambassadors for the mission by creating their own fundraising pages, sharing personal connections to Girls Inc., and encouraging their networks to invest in the next generation of leaders.

This peer-driven approach will expand the reach of the campaign beyond traditional giving, empowering individuals to activate their own communities and play a direct role in fueling opportunities for girls. Rooted in the belief that when girls succeed, everyone benefits, the campaign will elevate stories of local participants while driving both awareness and critical funding for expanded programming.

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Girls Inc. of the Valley is a leading nonprofit committed to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing them with educational development programs that are research-driven and designed to meet the specific needs of girls. Girls Inc. of the Valley serves youth ages 5-18 from the greater-Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee, MA areas.