The United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph YMCA brought the Girls on the Run program to Berrien county in the spring of 2009. During our inaugural season we had 10 sites and 229 girls participate. Each fall GOTR-Berrien recruits sites to host the program such as public and private schools, youth groups, and other organizations.

Voluteer coaches are then sought to teach the valuable GOTR curriculum. All coaches go through GOTR training, are CPR and first aid certified, and are given background checks.

The 2010 program will begin in March and will end with the 5K event on May 27th. The community is encouraged to participate in the 5k event as a run participant, walker, or running buddy.

GOTR-Berrien relies on participant fees, community donations, and sponsorships to deliver this valuable program. Please consider sponsoring a team, sponsoring a girl, contributing to the "shoe fund" or becoming a partner in the 5K event. DONATE TO GOTR

For more information or to volunteer contact:

Peggy Schaffer, Council Director
Phone:               (269) 925-7772         (269) 925-7772, ext. 30
Email: peggy.schaffer@uwsm.org

Girls On The Run® of Berrien County is brought to our area through a partnership between United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph YMCA Family Center.

The Girls on the Run 2010 Steering Committee

Michael Ahern  - Benton Harbor/St. Joseph;  Diana Davis - Buchanan Community Schools; Barbara DeLong - Lakeland Regional Health System; Katelin Gossman - American Electric Power; Theresa Green - Berrien County Health Department; Amy Marohn - Member at large; Anna Murphy - United Way of Southwest Michigan; Susan Richards - American Electric Power; Peggy Schaffer - GOTR Council Director; Tracey Skoda - Bridges to Digital Excellence