Love Thy Community II: LES Girls Club

The Lower Eastside Girls Club Center for Community, NYC’s first Girls Club facility, is a haven for empowerment on Avenue D in Manhattan. It’s a place where girls find joy, power, and boundless possibilities, each day stepping into a world designed to ignite curiosity and growth. From Art, Design and Digital Media to STEM labs and Culinary Education, their space offers diverse activities free of charge, year-round. It’s a global model for community engagement.

The LESGC facility buzzes with activity, featuring Baker Hall for health and wellness, STEM Labs at the forefront of technology education, and an Environmental Education Lab connected to a Rooftop Farm. The Culinary Education Center not only provides culinary, baking, nutrition, and food science education but also offers job training and opportunities for teenage participants and neighborhood women. Additionally, their Digital Media Lab, Design Studio, and Sound Studio amplify creativity and expression.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Executive Director Jenny Dembrow and the team from the Lower East Girls Club to delve into the impactful work they carry out daily. Their extensive range of programs, generously supported by partners, enables them to consistently make a difference in the lives of the young girls they serve and their broader community. For more information on their programing and how to get involved, please visit their website www.girlsclub.org

Jenny Dembrow, Executive Director of The Lower East Side Girls Club (LESGC) has been with the organization since its founding in 1996, starting as an intern.

“I am constantly reminded of hope and joy every day at The Lower Eastside Girls Club and Center for Wellbeing & Happiness (CWBH). From harvesting heirloom tomatoes on our Rooftop Farm to discovering their passions in STEM and arts, our members explore diverse interests in a space that celebrates their uniqueness. With daily support and enrichment, they thrive, developing lifelong skills and nurturing relationships. Your sustained support drives our mission, enabling us to make a lasting impact together.”

Darlene Pompa, Haydee Cornelio, and Eliza Owens in The "Mind & Body Studio" at the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, offering state-of-the-art immersion for movement, music, meditation, and mindfulness classes. Programs include Rest & Restore Yoga, Vinyasa Flow 101, Chair Yoga, Hoop Rhythm, Your Pace & Power, and Mamahood Meetup.

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“Joining The LESGC in high school opened doors to career paths I never imagined. Growing up in under-resourced public schools, opportunities for BIPOC youth were scarce. But as a member, I discovered endless possibilities that shaped my journey. With invaluable mentors, I navigated challenges, and now as Communications Assistant, I'm proud to contribute to empowering young women and gender-expansive youth.” - Darlene Pompa

“Joining The LESGC in 6th grade was a turning point for me. Now, as a program assistant, it still holds that same magic for me. This is my happy place.” - Haydee Cornelio

“I joined The LESGC when I was 9, and I now serve as a Program Assistant. Growing up here, I experienced sisterhood firsthand. It's truly heartwarming to see today's members experiencing that same bond.” - Eliza Owens

Kelly Webb, Director of LESGC’s Sound Studio, has been happily making purposeful noise with the members since 2015.

“Imagination is our superpower. It’s an honor to dream new worlds alongside these incredible young people.”

The Sound Studio amplifies members' voices, believing in the power of art and music to shape their world. Home to WGRL podcast, Avenue DJs, music classes, and The Afternoon Show on YouTube.

Sienna Fekete - Senior Arts Manager, 2022 - present.

“Getting to work at a place like The Lower Eastside Girls Club is such a joy. It’s a space of mentorship, arts education, and a really beautiful environment for confidence building. It’s amazing to watch students find both their voice and creative potential. The future is in very good hands with these youth leading the way!”

Erikka Electra James - Senior Director of Programs, 2015 - present.

“The Girls Club is a magical innovation hub that connects people from all around the world. I am so lucky to work in a space that empowers young people to be their most genuine and joyous selves.”

Kiera Del Vecchio - Program Manager of The Center for Wellbeing & Happiness (CWBH), October 2022 - present.

“I’ve been leading The CWBH’s programmatic development since its opening with close collaboration and input from LES community members. Our approach to wellness is centered on community care, and guided by principles of healing justice.”

The Design Studio for Material Arts is a haven for traditional sewing skills. Here, girls delve into quilting, indigo and natural dyeing, screen printing on fabric, and more. The curriculum also includes "We Mean Business," offering entrepreneurial training. Discover members-made items at their store: LaTiendita at Essex Market.

Lauren Vargas, Senior Manager of the STEM department, overseeing programming in the Planetarium, Maker Shop, and Rooftop Garden, 2022 - present.

“I am deeply honored to be a part of the Girls Club. I take immense pride in our work, our community, and the youth we serve. With my team, we strive to innovate classes that not only engage our youth in science, technology, engineering, architecture, and mathematics concepts but also ground them here on earth while inspiring them to reach for the stars!”

Shyvonne Sanganoo - Senior Manager of Youth Leadership and Career Pathways, with a focus on The LESGC high school members, 2022 - present."

"It's been a joy and privilege guiding our eldest members toward graduation, helping with college readiness and Senior experiences. From creating memories in our Mentorship Program, to amplifying youth voices with initiatives like New Girl City, to immersive field trips in my Grownish class—every day at Girls Club reminds us that our youth are not just the future, but the present! As a native New Yorker, I'm committed to leading by example, embodying our values, prioritizing community, sharing stories, and being the woman I wish I had growing up."

The Lower Eastside Girls Club Center for Community stands as New York City’s pioneering Girls Club facility, nestled on Avenue D between East 7th and 8th Streets in Manhattan. It offers Art, Design, Digital Media, and Sound studios, a STEM lab, a Maker shop, a Planetarium, a Culinary Education Center, a Movement space, and a Rooftop Garden. From top to bottom, the facility is meticulously crafted to ignite curiosity and host a multitude of activities that empower, educate, and engage. For more information and to get involved, visit www.girlsclub.org.