GS Impact Programs

For over 100 years, Girl Scouting has been a powerful force in the lives of millions of girls–instilling in them increased self-confidence in their decision-making abilities and their capacity to become strong leaders in their own lives and communities. Girl Scouts are more likely to make healthy life choices and less likely to believe in negative and gender-based messages about career options.

Through our GS Impact team, we strive to serve girls in every economic class. We serve girls in foster care, girls disenfranchised by their parents being incarcerated, those who have been exploited, undocumented or newly immigrated, those experiencing economic and social poverty, as well as girls from families who provide great support to their daughters’ development. In partnership with our Council Tribal Affairs team, we serve 18 distinct Native American populations, both on reservations and in urban centers.

Girl Scouts provides a nurturing space and opportunities to learn new things and build their courage, confidence, character, and skills for success in the world. From traditional troops and independent experiences, to community programs, specialized events, we provide a safe space for girls to grow and share new experiences, develop core values and contribute to society.

Here you will find information on specific initiatives aimed at making Girl Scouting available to all girls, everywhere.

Adelanté Jovencitas (AJ) toggle arrow

Females represented nearly one in four arrests in 2021, according to the FBI's National Uniform Crime Report. Of those, 7 percent were under the age of 18.

Adelante Jovencitas encourages girls ages 12−17 to embrace new ways of viewing themselves: as leaders full of potential.

Through AJ, we serve girls in all areas of the juvenile justice system, including those in secure detention, in residential treatment, on probation, at alternative high schools, and in community troops after their release. The program addresses prevalent community issues affecting our young women in areas such as education, health, homelessness, gang activity, substance abuse, violence, and sexual exploitation.

Girl Scouting challenges girls to nurture their inner leadership skills and break dangerous cycles of behavior. In fact, GSUSA's 2012 Girl Scouts in Detention Centers (GSDC) National Evaluation found that the program helps girls regulate their emotions and manage their anger, while fostering their ability to develop healthier relationships overall.

GSACPC currently facilitates AJ programs in partnership with Adobe Mountain School, Durango Juvenile Detention Center, Florence Crittenton, and Pinal County Youth Justice Center.

Community Partnerships toggle arrow

Our GS Impact team works with multiple other community partners to share the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with girls who otherwise might not have access to it. Our current partnerships include:

Boys and Girls Club
Homeward Bound
ICAN
MentorKids Maryvale
UMOM

Interested in partnering with the GS Impact team? Contact gsimpact@girlscoutsaz.org.

Girl Scout Centers toggle arrow

Girl Scout Centers are staff-led community troops that welcome all girls in grades K-12 from the surrounding community to participate and begin Girl Scouting! This program is designed for girls and those who support them to learn more about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Our community troops are a great starting point for new Girl Scout families or families looking to join a local volunteer-led troop, to engage with other Girl Scouts and learn more about what opportunities are available. Adults will learn how to support their girls as they get started and how to empower girls to be their best selves. Through all our programs, we hope to empower family and friends to join Girl Scouts and help guide them as they start their own Girl Scout troop. Here, we’ll create a community group where she can be herself, take risks, prepare for adventures, grow skills, and earn badges!

Find more information, such as GS Center locations and meeting details, click here.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) toggle arrow

Across the country, 1 in every 12 children under the age of 18 experiences parental incarceration during their life, according to the advocacy group The Sentencing Project. Girls with incarcerated parents face particular obstacles, but Girl Scouts believe that lack of access to leadership development programs shouldn't be among them.

GSBB In-facility Visits

The Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program was established in Arizona in 1994 and, along with several other councils, has grown to serve thousands of girls across the country. GSBB was developed to equip girls in grades K-12 whose mothers are incarcerated with the tools they'll need to succeed, while also strengthening the mother/daughter bond through regular visits. In partnership with Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) – Perryville, our Council has been able to expand the scope of our GSBB program to serve girls with incarcerated mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and older sisters. We also partner with our sister Council, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, to ensure that we can serve girls across the entirety of Arizona.

Both girl and adult participants take an active leadership role in the planning and implementation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, a process that fosters life skills development and personal growth. After release, girls and their mother/grandmother/aunt/sister can continue to participate in troop meetings in their communities, making Girl Scouting a consistent and supportive presence in their lives.

Bloom Beyond Community Troops

Our Bloom Beyond program is a FREE community-based program designed to support all girls impacted by familial incarceration, past or present. Our GS Impact staff work in partnership with guardians and volunteers to create a safe space where all girls impacted by familial incarceration are welcome and can find a sense of belonging. Girls have the opportunity to be the authors of their Girl Scout journey and work in partnership with the GS Impact staff to plan and design their monthly meetings and/or field trip opportunities (e.g., earning badges and leadership awards, taking field trips, going camping, or participating in other Council-sponsored events and programs).

Girls can expect:

Community Leadership
Skills to thrive today and tomorrow
Memorable experiences
Lifelong sisterhood
Safe, supportive environment

Program meeting details:

1^st and 3^rd Thursdays
6 pm – 8 pm
The Bob and Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain, 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042
Girls also have the opportunity to participate in quarterly field trips.

If you are interested in participating in our Bloom Beyond program, please click on the button below so our Program Coordinator can reach out with more information about getting started.

For questions or more information about participating in GSBB, please contact socialimpact@girlscoutsaz.org or 480-734-3546.

Meet our Girl Scout Beyond Bars Team

Jenna Grubb

Senior GS Impact and Multicultural Program Manager

Learn more about Jenna toggle arrow

Jenna has a long professional history working with GSACPC and the Girl Scout Beyond Bars (GSBB) space starting in 2014. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northern Arizona University, an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, Jenna has a strong interest in understanding how systems interact and shape individual experiences in our communities. Her passion to serving other extends as she is currently finishing her PhD in General Psychology.

“While education has been an invaluable tool in shaping my perspective, the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned have come from my team and the girls we serve—who trust us enough to share their experiences and show us how best to support them.

The work we do to support girls and families impacted by incarceration is incredibly powerful. We can show up for girls navigating complex and often difficult circumstances, all while they continue to experience the same social pressures as their peers. For me, the ability to be a consistent presence and to remind girls that they matter—that they are seen, valued, and worth investing in—is one of the greatest privileges of this role.”

Elizabeth Flores

Program Coordinator – Justice Programs

Learn more about Elizabeth toggle arrow

Elizabeth began her professional journey with GSACPC in 2022 after completing an internship with the council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from Arizona State University. In her role, she facilitates programming inside juvenile detention centers, including Pinal County Youth Justice Center, Adobe Mountain School, and Durango Juvenile Detention Center. She also leads council’s Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program in Perryville prison and council’s community-based program, Girl Scouts Bloom Beyond, serving girls who are impacted by having a family member or loved one incarcerated.

“My work with GSBB matters to me because of the meaningful, positive impact it creates. We work with girls who are navigating experiences that may feel overwhelming, isolating, or out of their control. Through our programs, we provide consistency, belonging, and a space where they can build confidence, develop skills, and feel seen. Watching them grow, even in small ways, reinforces why this work is so important.”

Additional Resources for Children of Incarcerated Parents

We want to offer additional resources that can support the families and siblings of the girls we serve who are impacted by incarceration. Whether you're in Arizona or anywhere across the nation, we've gathered trusted local and virtual resources, including mentorship, peer support, and leadership programs, all designed to help these kids heal, grow, and thrive. Because every child deserves a community that shows up for them.

Local Support toggle arrow

180 Prison Support Ministry (180 PSM): 180 Prison Support Ministry is on a mission to bring love and value to every family they serve. Children of incarcerated parents are often overlooked, even as their numbers continue to rise. Many face trauma, instability, and a higher risk of negative outcomes. They are committed to standing in the gap for these amazing children—offering hope, support, and the life-changing message of the gospel.

Beia's Families: At Beia’s Families, their commitment extends to empowering individuals by addressing their specific needs, setting goals, and fostering natural supports. Beia's Families provides peer support as well as supportive services to families facing various challenges while fostering a sense of community and promoting mental well-being.

National Support toggle arrow

Project Avary: Project Avary provides long-term mentorship, leadership development, and community for youth impacted by parental incarceration. Through programs that focus on healing, growth, and leadership, they help youth build strong relationships, navigate challenges, and step into leadership roles — both within Project Avary and in their own communities.

US Dream Academy: Through an innovative after-school and mentoring program that currently operates in cities nationwide, US Dream Academy is transforming children into dreamers who envision and realize their potential. Their dream is to ensure that all children, no matter their start in life, can pursue their own special dreams.

Community Support Needed

Interested in being a GS Impact Intern? Click here to apply!
Inquire about volunteer opportunities at gsimpact@girlscoutsaz.org.
Learn about donating to specific programs.