Nestled within our close-knit Southbridge community, you’ll find a neighbor who’s quietly but powerfully making waves in the lives of young girls across Savannah. Meet Estelle Ramos, a devoted resident of Southbridge for the past eight years and the Executive Director of Girls of Purpose, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering young girls to pursue their dreams with confidence and grace.

Estelle’s dedication to Girls of Purpose is a true family affair. Her husband, Frank, plays a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring that every event and activity runs smoothly. Whether it’s coordinating logistics or lending a helping hand, Frank is the unsung hero who keeps everything on track. Their granddaughters, once participants in the program, have grown into peer mentors, embodying the spirit of leadership and giving back that Girls of Purpose fosters.

This strong family support is a testament to the values that Estelle holds dear and shares with the girls she mentors. It’s clear that her work is not just a passion but a way of life, deeply rooted in the love and support of her family and community.

Estelle’s journey with Girls of Purpose is deeply personal. Though she grew up with a supportive family, she didn’t have a mentor to guide her through the challenges of her formative years. This experience has profoundly shaped her understanding of the crucial role mentorship can play in a young person’s life. Determined to make a difference, Estelle created Girls of Purpose to provide the guidance she wished she had, offering young girls the support they need to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.

Girls of Purpose’s mission is clear: to empower and equip young girls to be bold and confident as they pursue GOD-inspired dreams, impacting their community and the world. One of the organization’s key initiatives is bridging cultural gaps. Through community partnerships, Girls of Purpose aims to expand opportunities for all girls by fostering understanding and connection across diverse cultural backgrounds. This creates a supportive environment where girls can learn from one another, celebrate their diverse experiences, and grow together in unity and empowerment.

The program offers a range of activities designed to nurture both practical skills and personal development. From a creative sewing program that encourages self-expression to a Spanish course aimed at breaking down language barriers, the organization equips girls with the tools they need to succeed in today’s world. Through these initiatives, Estelle is helping to shape the future leaders of our community.

Running a nonprofit comes with its own set of challenges. For Girls of Purpose, establishing a network of monthly financial donors is vital to sustaining operations and ensuring the continued success of the program. Additionally, securing transportation to enable the girls to travel as a group for activities and events is crucial.

Fortunately, the Southbridge community has stepped up in remarkable ways. Neighbors have not only provided words of encouragement but have also invested their time and financial resources, playing an instrumental role in helping Girls of Purpose broaden the participants' knowledge, exposure, and experiences. Estelle is deeply grateful for this support, which has allowed the organization to flourish.

Special recognition goes to donors like Dustcom Limited, The Doux, Chatham Racquet Club, and the amazing Courtney Burt ORear and her team. Their contributions have made a significant impact, helping to ensure that the girls in the program have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

This November, Estelle and her team at Girls of Purpose are inviting the Southbridge community to join them for a very special event. The 2nd Annual Wonderfully Made Gala will be held on November 2, 2024, at our very own Grand Lake Club. This elegant evening promises to be a celebration of the achievements of the girls in the program and a chance for our community to come together in support of a wonderful cause.

Starting with a social hour at 6:30 PM, followed by a program filled with inspiring speakers and a gourmet dining experience, the night will culminate in dancing at one of Savannah’s most beautiful and newly remodeled venues. The theme, “Wonderfully Made,” highlights the uniqueness and inherent worth of every girl, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.

As Southbridge residents, this is an incredible opportunity to meet our neighbors, enjoy the stunning ambiance of the Grand Lake Club, and show our support for the work Estelle and Girls of Purpose are doing right here in our local community. Whether you attend the gala, sponsor a participant, or simply spread the word, your involvement makes a difference.

Estelle’s story is a shining example of how one person’s vision, backed by the love of family and the support of a community, can create lasting change. As we continue to build a strong, caring community here in Southbridge, let’s rally behind Estelle and the girls she’s empowering.

For more information about Girls of Purpose, to purchase tickets for the Wonderfully Made Gala, or to find out how you can get involved, scan the QR code, visit www.girlsofpurposeinc.org, email girlsofpurposeinc@gmail.com, or call (912) 483-5050.