Jamare Brumfield, a fifth-grader at Hard Elementary, has been a member Bessemer Girls Inc. Club for three years, and each year her experience grows more rewarding. This past summer, the club welcomed Brittany Moreland, a local salon owner, to share beauty tips with the girls and offered Jamare a free back-to-school hair appointment. Jamare carefully chose white and clear beads for her braids because, as she proudly explained, “They matched my outfit!” The new look gave her a boost of confidence. “I feel more confident now, like I can do anything,” she said with a big smile.
But the impact of Girls Inc. goes beyond just hairstyles and fun. For Jamare’s dad, who has been raising her on his own, the program has been a huge help. “As a single dad, there’s a lot about raising a girl that I’m still figuring out,” he admitted. “Girls Inc. teaches her things I can’t, and they’ve helped me out, too.” The club has not only been a place for Jamare to learn and grow, but it has also been a source of support for her dad, who appreciates the guidance and community it offers.
Jamare has many fond memories from her time with Girls Inc. She excitedly recalls making cupcakes and crafting capes during summer camp, and even learning how to make “snow” in a fun science experiment. Every week brings something new, and Jamare is always eager to share what she’s learned. Her dad is just as impressed as Girls Inc. introduces her to things he wouldn’t have thought to teach her. Whether it’s life skills, creativity, or building friendships, Girls Inc. has become a place where Jamare feels empowered.
For Jamare, the club is more than just an after-school hangout—it’s a place where she can be herself, make new friends, and build memories. For her dad, Girls Inc. is a community that makes life a little easier and a lot more fun. “It’s been such a great experience for both of us!” her father said. Now, Jamare’s not just excited for middle school, she’s ready for it, thanks to everything she’s learned and the confidence she’s built at the Bessemer Girls Inc. Club.