This is ME brings adolescent and teen girls together, with the guidance of concerned women, to discover and explore who they are and what they are capable of accomplishing in light of their individual strengths. This is ME provides a supportive, creative, and open environment where girls can reflect upon and discuss their achievements and challenges as they grow as women.
The seeds of This Is ME were planted in 1998 when the founder began researching the importance of separate time and space for adolescent girls. She then formed a committee of women and girls from the community to assess what area girls most want in a girls-only program. The first This Is ME program was offered at the Irving Park YMCA in January of 2000. Since then, This Is ME has served over 350 girls. This Is ME was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization in February of 2001.
This Is ME has three levels of leadership: The Board of Directors; an Executive Committee (the equivalent of management staff); and a Girls Council.