Michelle Obama is giving back to her community.
On Tuesday (January 23), the Obama Foundation's Girls Opportunity Alliance, which was founded by the former first lady, announced it was donating $500,000 to 14 Chicago organizations that support the lives of young girls through mentorship and leadership development, sports and dance programs, work-study programs, and more, per Essence.
The donation will benefit roughly 1,800 adolescent girls in Chicago, which is Obama's hometown.
"Chicago is the place that made me who I am. It's the place that shaped me, developed my self-confidence, and helped me discover my voice. There's an energy to this city that's like no other— an energy that lifts, inspires and nurtures," Obama said in a video announcing the donation. "That's why I couldn't be more thrilled to share that the Girls Opportunity Alliance is expanding our work right here in my favorite city."
One of the local organizations receiving funds is the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program. Founded in 2009 by Kelly Fair, the organization focuses on developing life skills and career readiness for young girls.
"For Michelle Obama to make such a commitment to us, it says that 'I'm invested in our girls here in Chicago'; therefore, I'm also invested in the leaders of the organizations and the growth of the organizations. That's powerful." Fair said in a statement. "Now, we're normalizing for our girls that when you participate in programs like this, you build sisterhood, you build skills, you get opportunities to build a future, and now you're rubbing shoulders with a reflection of who you really are. It can't get any better than seeing a reflection of you through the former First Lady Michelle Obama."
In addition to the funding, the 14 organizations are set to receive programming support, Obama Foundation programming, and in-person convening with the former first lady and former President Barack Obama.
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