“It’s a girls’ safe haven. It’s our sisterhood.”

Where was your clubhouse as a kid?  Maybe you and the neighborhood kids had a treehouse that you all climbed into to have tea parties or game nights.  Or maybe you and your siblings had a loft or attic where you’d build forts and use your flashlights when you would stay up way too late.  Wherever your hangout was, you knew this was your safe place where the rest of the world, and the worries along with it, would disappear for a few hours.

That’s exactly the environment that G.L.A.M., Guidance Life-skills And Mentoring, aims to create.  G.L.A.M. is an INCREDIBLE organization here in Indy working to empower at-risk girls and young women through their curriculum focused on self-esteem development, academic achievement, college prep, and professional development.  Founded in 2008, G.L.A.M. works diligently to serve girls ages 9-18 by providing them a safe space to learn, grow and flourish!

We recently had the privilege of connecting with G.L.A.M.’s fearless leader, founder + CEO, Shanel Poole, to learn more about the heart behind this amazing organization.  Shanel experienced unimaginable trauma and dysfunction as a young woman, and has taken these experiences as a way to connect with young women facing similar struggles.  Shanel strives to be a positive role model for these girls and works to provide resources that she wished she would’ve had at their age.  The work she does is truly admirable, and we are so excited to share the impact she is having on our community!

How can our readers support by way of donations? 

G.L.A.M. accepts a myriad of donations, such as classroom supplies (think markers, pens, pencils, scissors, rulers, staplers, notebooks/journals, planners, calculators, etc.), craft supplies (such as sewing machines, jewelry machines, beads, fabric, yarn, needles, hot glue, glitter, etc.), hygiene products (think washcloths, lip gloss, spa kits, soaps + lotions*, nail files, nail polish, deodorant, pads/tampons, etc.), and accessories (like scarves, hats, glove sets, fleece throws, keychains, tote bags, makeup bags, and wallets for school ID’s or personal items).  Scrapbook supplies are also in high demand since each girl makes their own!

*Please note, due to skin allergies products like Jergens, Vaseline, Lucerin, Nivea, Dove unscented, etc. are greatly needed.

What are the greatest needs right now?

Aside from monetary donations, hygiene products, school supplies and phone chargers are in high demand.

Approximately how many girls have been reached?

G.L.A.M. is currently serving 50-100 girls annually - WOW!  Girls come from all over Indianapolis, from IPS and charter schools to private and township schools as well.  While G.L.A.M. has programs within these schools, the current program attendees are the biggest recruiters as they invite their siblings and friends to join them!

What can we anticipate seeing from G.L.A.M. in the next 3 years?

G.L.A.M. is currently raising funds to help acquire a permanent facility located at the historic property of the Indiana Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.  G.L.A.M. is honored to hold this heritage and carry on the legacy of raising up women leaders.  This new facility will also have the capacity to provide 24-hour services for girls in need.

Shanel envisions G.L.A.M. as a resource for girls as young as 8 years old to come and learn from fabulous mentors. There will also be internships, experiential learning, and professional development programs for young women between the ages of 16 and 18.  G.L.A.M. coaches women to be self-sufficient as well as guiding them to be well prepared for higher education and career success.

G.L.A.M. is also working to franchise so they can provide services nationally with pilot programs in other cities, and a workbook containing their exceptional curriculum.  They are working to build out products developed by the talented girls and women they work with, including chapstick, t-shirts, skin care products, etc.  This will be one way to generate revenue that can go right back into the program, while providing girls with hands-on experience! Shanel has also designed the Jack for the Jill to G.L.A.M. and looks forward to expanding the program to boys in the near future too!

How can readers get involved?

With so many exciting things happening at G.L.A.M., there are many needs to be filled.  Support through in-kind donations as well as giving time to volunteer, spreading the word to others about the amazing work happening here, or providing prayers of support is greatly appreciated.

Where can we follow along?

Facebook: @glamindy 

It was an absolute HONOR to speak with Shanel and learn about the impact she is having on the lives of hundreds of young women here in our community!  Shanel believes in this mission and works tirelessly to ensure these girls have access to resources that will provide them the best possible future!

On top of serving as CEO at G.L.A.M., Shanel also works for the Marion County Health Department as a Covid-19 Community Engagement Specialist for the CDC’s nonprofit, Resolve to Save Lives.  She also serves as the Vice Chair of the State of Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, and is the first woman in history to ever hold a leadership position in this organization.  As if her resume is not impressive enough, Shanel is also working towards her doctorate in Educational Leadership in Policy!

Shanel is a fierce leader, humble servant, and all around lovely human being - we truly cannot say enough kind things about her and the work she is doing through G.L.A.M.!!

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