Alexis M.
Yelp
The Lower East Side Girls Club is one of the nicest looking non-profit facilities that I have visited in a very long time. The forefront of their mission is to provide girls + young women in middle school and high school with resources/programs around art, leadership, entrepreneurship, wellness, science, etc. all within a "safe haven" type of environment. Giving participants opportunities to be creative, to be inspired, to be innovative, to dream and to shape their goals within the L.E.S. Girls Club supportive environment definitely falls in line with the words "Joy, Power, Responsiblity"they have boldly displayed near the front entrance.
After greetings from the person at the front desk, it was great to see the gorgeous lobby which had a welcome/receptionist desk, the " Respect Art + Community Gallery and their cafe area. Girls are encouraged to "Smile" as this is brightly highlighted near the cafe section (something we should all be doing a bit more every day). Everything is so magnificent from the artwork on the walls along the 1st floor back area to the Kiki Smith Sculpture Garden and Baker Hall (dedicated to several people w/ last name Baker including the legendary Josephine Baker). Cool art decor in the 1st floor bathroom.
I was delighted to come here to attend the Tough Broads Film Festival last month (October 11 - October 14). On 10/14/18 there was a viewing of the film "What Happened Miss Simone?" In L.E.S
Girls Clubs' lovely Planetarium. Based on Civil Right Activist/Classically Trained Pianist/Singer/Songwriter Nina Simone's life. It is truly a moving film as one learns about her enduring domestic violence within her marital union and being diagnosed w/ Bipolar Disorder....all the while having the power to continue and endure regardless of obstacles that were placed in her way. Rest In Peace Nina Simone....she is gone but is never forgotten.
Once the film ended, everyone proceeded back downstairs to enjoy complimentary wine and snacks. Of course I got distracted by the 2nd Floor Bathroom...Why? Because it is so Beautiful. Blue, purple, white, with hints of green and other colors of paint were used on the walls and seating bench to create a galaxy themed aesthetic w/ stars, skies, the earth, etc. Purposely spectacularly fragmented mirrors and objects such as red, blue, purple marbles + paint were added around the sink area to complete the bathroom's galaxy inspired masterpiece. I was told that the girls and young women like to take lots of selfies in this bathroom and I can kind of understand-lol.
After talking to a few people and having some refreshments, I gathered information on their volunteer opportunities. The L.E.S. Girls Club has received funding to expand and there will a woman's empowerment group componemt implemented next year. L.E.S. Girls Club is one of the many extraordinary non-profits for those want to be a mentor for girls and young women.