Girls Incorporated of Omaha (Girls Inc.) recently announced a major facilities expansion plan. The $15 million project will feature a 55,000 square foot addition of a gymnasium and locker rooms; teen, media and fitness centers; and health and wellness space to their North Omaha facility and a partial renovation of the existing facility, including installation of an instructional kitchen.  Girls Inc. intends to make the programs and services located in these new facilities available to the members of both their north and south Omaha centers, as well as to young people and families in the surrounding community.

The new facility will accommodate an enlarged fitness center and a studio for dance, yoga and other floor exercises and features that will support their gardening and healthy eating programs. Girls Inc. also plans to collaborate with an existing health care provider to deliver preventative care such as immunizations and school and sports physicals as well as outpatient services for sick children and adolescents in their new space. Research into a best practices model for operating the clinic is ongoing.

The project was designed by The Architectural Offices, located in Omaha. $13.5 million of the estimated cost has already been raised.  Girls Inc. is launching a community campaign to help raise the remainder of the necessary funds.  For more information, check out their newly updated website at www.girlsincomaha.org.