Girls on the Run expands programs across the Magic Valley

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Girls On The Run is a nonprofit organization that helps young girls build social and physical skills.

Executive Director Teressa Johnson says the program will expand in Twin Falls, Jerome, Lincoln and Minidoka counties this year.

“The programs we anticipate this spring in Twin Falls are Boys and Girls Club in the Magic Valley and Buhl, Sawtooth Elementary, Rock Creek Elementary, Gem Prep and South Hills Middle School, which is our 6th to 8th grade program.”

According to coach Kate Simonds, the program is not just about staying fit.

“I think a lot of people think like ‘we make them run,’ we also do that but it’s more so about the social learning,” says Simonds. “We do a lot of building self-esteem confidence, improving body image.”

Simonds says the girls participate in other fun activities to help build friendships and learn how to solve problems. They also get to run a 5K. As a reward, they receive a 5K finisher’s medal.

“This organization is important to me as a parent because it reinforces the skills that I want my daughter to know, both of my daughters,” says Garrett Glasheen, a parent of a club member. “Is that perseverance and rising to the occasion and also recognizing the power within them.”

Garret Glasheen says that since his daughter became a member of Girls on the Run, he has seen a lot of improvements in her will to try new things and challenge herself.

“Funny enough, it wasn’t just even sports, but also new foods, new activities, she just really opened up.”

The organization emphasizes supporting girls early and molding them into future leaders.

“We want female leaders, we want female team members, we want confident women because they can do incredible things,” says Simonds.

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