News 12 at 11:00, August 13, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A local organization committed to helping young girls succeed in life needs a little help themselves. Girls Inc., a partner agency of the United Way, has ceased operations and may have to close permanently.

The problem is money and a declining number of girls in the program.

It is a fixture on Watkins Street and a home away from home for a lot of girls, a place to build self-confidence and self-worth. But according to a memo, it is just getting too hard for the organization to stay afloat.

The vans are parked, the benches are empty and there is darkness inside the Girls Inc..building. Board members says the organization is experiencing financial problems.

The once-busy organization whose goal is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and successful may have to permanently shut its doors. The board of directors voted 9 to 3 to cease operations immediately.

According to a memo, it was a difficult decision for the board but it was a necessary one. The United Way, one of the biggest contributors to the program, has already advanced a total of four payments this year in order to pay the bills and salaries.

Girls, Inc. is a national non-profit organization that receives about 77 percent of its revenue from public support-corporations, foundations, government grants, or individuals. The majority of their centers are located in low-income areas and provide a weekly average of 30 hours of after-school, weekend and summer activities. In Augusta, there have been fundraisers in the past for the organization,but some say this time around that may not be enough.