Causes: Children & Youth, Civil Rights, Human Service Organizations, Human Services, Youth Development Programs

Mission: In Her Shoes Foundation (IHSF) is a 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact on society by empowering women and girls. IHSF's vision is to empower and inspire every woman and girl to be her personal best. Our mission is to embrace the potential of all women and girls by providing:
• Positive Influences
• Learning Opportunities
• Community Partnerships
• Leadership DevelopmentIHSF’s core values form the foundation of how we conduct ourselves as an organization. These are also the qualities we value and encourage in our members and volunteers. We are:
• Accountable
• Empathetic
• Intentional
• Authentic
• InclusiveHistoryKasia Wereszczynska, MA, LCPC, NCC, RYT, Eagala Certified MHP, the founder of In Her Shoes Foundation (IHSF), served for many years as a crisis worker supporting young girls and women on the south-side of Chicago and the North Shore area. These experiences led her to want to further inspire and empower women and girls, and so the In Her Shoes Foundation began to expand it’s mission. In Her Shoes Foundation (IHSF) began as the Positive Girls Club in 2008 as a forum for women of all ages to build strong individual and community relationships in the Chicagoland area. In 2011 the Club was formalized and it became In Her Shoes Foundation (IHSF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Today, through our Professional Development Workshops, Giving Back initiative and our flagship program, Ready Set Girls Academy, we strive to create a nurturing and positive environment for women and girls of all backgrounds to empower and inspire them to be their personal best. Today, IHSF has over 60 committee volunteers and an executive team of committee chairs working in close collaboration to deliver the Foundation’s programs in the local community. We are run entirely by volunteers.

Target demographics: Through IHSF's flagship program, Ready Set Girls Academy, we’re giving girls the tools they need to navigate life's challenges in a positive way.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 265 students, partnered with over 43 community organizations and provided professional development workshops to over 200 paticipants.

Geographic areas served: Our vision is to empower and inspire every woman and girl to be her personal best.

Programs: We’ve created a curriculum to teach young women essential life skills and coping techniques. We aim to improve their self-esteem and encourage them to reach for higher achievement. The program is free and available for:
• High schools
• Middle schools
• Community organizationsWe provide all the materials and trained volunteer Group Mentors who run the program. The CurriculumOur lessons are interactive and provide a safe and caring learning environment. Girls learn a lot about themselves and each other through group discussions. Middle School ProgramOur middle school program helps girls aged 10-14 explore who they are. Lessons are focused on:
• Self-identity
• Relationships
• Mind and body
• CommunityHigh School ProgramOur high school program helps girls aged 14-18 think about who they want to become. Lessons are focused on:
• Leadership
• Healthy living
• Social skills
• Lifestyle