Charlotte Girl Garage is a mentorship-based nonprofit that provides middle school girls with the confidence, skills, and support to navigate the complex transition from childhood to young adulthood. We provide spaces where girls can explore who they are, connect with others, and grow into their next chapter with strength, self-trust, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Corie

I came to realize long ago that my calling was to be a voice coach for the soul of the wounded woman and with history being what it is, she emerges at birth.

But first and still, I needed to reckon with my past and my wounds.

I do this reckoning daily and it has provided insight that at times I wish I had as an impressionable child.  It has exposed a path that I know leads to where my soul yearns to go.  To walk it is a practice riddled with frustrations and failures and rich with promise and breakthroughs.  It is surrounded on all sides with beauty and breathtaking experiences.

I will continue to reach for the best version of myself and will continue to strive for a life built on a foundation of love and kindness with a voice that is clear, concise, honest and fair.

I have learned that we are all in this together, in our beauty and in our ugly hours.

I have learned that if I can stoke the voice of just one who longs to speak, or root out the words for just a few who can’t seem to find the right ones, then my journey will have met its purpose.

For those of you who join me, and those of you who trust to share this with your daughters, I am deeply honored and humbled.  I am simply a woman trying to find my way among women, so that we can lift and build one another up.

Your talent is God’s gift to you, what you do with it is your gift back to God.”

– Leo Buscaglia

The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.”

-Pablo Picasso

Purpose is the reason you journey, passion is the fire that lights your way.”

Lynn

I was in banking for 34 years. The workplace has changed dramatically since I began working. I faced many challenges and obstacles that, had I not been sure of my strengths and worth, I might have given up and not become a senior vice president at one of the ten largest banks in the world.  And because of that, I took the role of mentor and advocate very seriously and did all I could to help both women and men succeed in their professional lives.

Growing up I was teased, bullied and at times felt insignificant. I always compared myself to others and saw only my shortcomings.  But I was lucky that I had parents, teachers, family members and friends who helped me see the potential that was inside me and I chose to believe them. Because of that, my goal when talking to all young people, is to help them recognize their potential too.

I am deeply saddened by what is happening with social media today – too many people feel they can use it as a way to lash out, criticize, belittle and embarrass others. We need to do everything in our power to make sure we are raising young people, and young women in particular, who know their strengths and worth so they can become their best selves, no matter what they choose to do in life.

And that is why I am committed to helping Charlotte Girl Garage.

Support Charlotte Girl Garage – Invest in the Future of Young Women

At Charlotte Girl Garage, we’re creating more than a thrift store; we’re building a foundation for growth, empowerment, and real-world skills that young girls carry into adulthood. Our mission goes beyond items on a shelf. It’s about providing a safe space for young women to learn, connect, and gain confidence in their future.

Our Greatest Need: Financial Support
While our thrift store serves as a launchpad, the true heart of Charlotte Girl Garage is our year-long schedule of classes and mentorship programs. These monthly workshops reach dozens of young girls, equipping them with life skills like financial literacy, self-defense, cooking, body awareness, and effective communication. Your tax-deductible donation directly funds these transformative programs, covering everything from curriculum development to support for skilled mentors.

Whether you donate gently used items, sponsor a space, or make a financial contribution, your support fuels our mission to empower the next generation of young women.

Spread the Word – Let’s Use Social Media for Good
We also invite you to join us in spreading the word. Over the years, social media has had a profound impact on the lives of young girls—sometimes negatively. Let’s turn that around and make it a force for good! By sharing our mission and our work, you help us build a stronger community network of support. A simple mention or share can introduce Charlotte Girl Garage to someone who wants to help, sponsor, or donate, making a real difference in a young girl’s life.

Together, We Can Make an Impact
It truly takes a village to bring this vision to life. Your financial support and your voice are the keys to building a future where girls feel empowered, capable, and supported. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at www.charlottegirlgarage.org/donate, and help us spread the word for a brighter tomorrow.