Hendricks County’s Get REAL ministry for girls survives shutdown; continues mission with new leadership, location, and camp
By Lindsay Doty
Get REAL or Get Respected Educated Able and Loyal in Christ, a nonprofit ministry based in Avon, is all about second chances. The Christian mentoring program that’s been helping young girls in Hendricks County for 13 years recently got a fresh start of its own, after barely surviving the COVID-19 closure.
“Like many nonprofits, Get REAL experienced tremendous pressure during COVID, but instead of searching for aid from funding organizations, the board decided to make different changes,” said April Bordeau, new board member, and director of Care to Change counseling in Avon.
In May, Get REAL announced the ministry would closing doors and canceling its annual drama mentoring camp.
That’s when Care to Change stepped in with support and offered to be the title sponsor for the Save the Drama for the Stage Creative Arts Camp rescheduled for July 6-10.
(Submitted photo)
“We’ve studied the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and how developing assets during youth can ensure brighter, stronger futures for the girls, for their families, and this community. Get REAL is all about building assets,” said April Bordeau, new board member, and director of Care to Change counseling, this year’s title sponsor for camp.
“It’s about building a stronger future. It’s done through a foundation of faith. That’s why I wanted to ensure this organization continued.”
Get REAL has undergone other changes recently. Last week, the group moved out of its former building off US 36 and is currently searching for a new permanent location where girls can be mentored and supported. Until then, the ministry will work through local partnerships to meet mentoring needs.
“We’ll be calling on our community to join us financially,” said board member Carrie Schroeder
“We have a lot of exciting initiatives we’re working on and we look forward to expanding the great work that was started 13 years ago.”
The ministry also has new leadership. Avon resident and mentor Jess Holiday has been named program coordinator. Known in Hendricks county by hundreds of students, Jess is passionate about mentoring girls and has the gift of leading others and managing youth camps and experiences.
While there are lots of changes for the group, the mission is the same. Help young women.
Get REAL’s mantra: It is easier to build strong girls than to repair broken women.
