Jazzercise, Inc. recently announced a new initiative for 2017 that supports the growth and development of young women by offering free classes to girls ages 16 to 21, including a local venue in Elkhorn.
Dubbed GirlForce, the program aims to empower young women by giving them a place to get fit, learn healthy habits, and find a place they belong in their communities.
“Last June at the State of Women Summit hosted by the White House, so many amazing speakers talked about the importance of helping girls as they grow up and a light bulb went off for me,” says CEO and Founder Judi Sheppard Missett.
Set to launch this month, participating Jazzercise locations will encourage teens and college-aged women to join the movement and learn to “dance their own path.” Missett says the program “might evolve into other things, but for now we want to keep it simple.”
“As a mom of two girls, I know that young women confront unique challenges,” Jazzercise, Inc. President Shanna Missett Nelson added. “We know what physical activity does for us. We hope that offering girls a safe place for them to get fit can help…so they can become strong women.”
While Jazzercise, Inc. and its franchisees have raised over $28MM for charities over their 47 year history, this is the first time the company has developed a corporate initiative.
“It’s an opportunity for young girls to develop strong self-confidence and a fitness routine at an early age that they can continue throughout their lives,” Julie Nelson, of Elkhorn Jazzercise said.
Young women interested in joining the GirlForce can find more information by contacting Nelson and Elkhorn Jazzercise at (262) 581-5474, on Facebook at Elkhorn Jazzercise, via email to julielarson12@hotmail.com or at jazzercise.com/GirlForce. Jazzercise is also on Instagram @jazzerciseinc.
