In January 2024, the Ohio County Family Resource Network received one of only three Innovation Grants awarded by TEAM for West Virginia Children.
Already having existing programs at Elm Grove Elementary, OCFRN felt it was a natural choice to pilot Girls on the Run at Bridge Street. “Piloting this Girls on the Run program has been such a tremendous opportunity for the FRN. As a coach, it has been so amazing to meet the team and to watch them put so much effort into their physical and emotional growth.
Watching our runners grow, both individually and as a unit, has been so inspiring. I’m so grateful to be a part of this awesome program!” states Grace Moore, head coach and site liaison with the Ohio County Family Resource Network.
The program encourages physical and mental health and wellness and currently has 15 girls, 6th-8th grade, enrolled. Girls on the Run is a nationwide program that combines training for a 5K run with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem-solving skills, and build self-confidence.
The weekly program always begins with a lesson, known as the “Big Idea.” The first “Big Idea” immediately connected the runners: “To become a team, we need to celebrate what makes us similar and unique,” the lesson explains. The curriculum for Girls on the Run is from Heart and Sole, a unique program that combines confidence building with physical movement. “The ‘Big Idea’ connects into the actual running and movement for the week,” states assistant coach and 7th grade ELA teacher, Shawna Safreed.
The girls have fully embraced the program. In fact, many family members have embraced the program as well. “We have a group grandma, GiGi,” Safreed states, explaining that one of the students’ grandmothers now attends weekly and continues to volunteer and show appreciation for the program. Girls on the Run provides new running shoes, snacks, shirts, and additional swag as part of the grant.
The grant provides transportation to and from Morgantown, WV for the annual Girls on the Run 5K, the event they have been training for since meeting for the first practice.
“I’m nervous, but I like it all. I think I’ll continue running when it’s (the program) is over),” states Sophia, a 7th grader.
