1st Source Bank recently donated $24,000 to support the expansion of Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana’s Staff-Led Troop program. Originating in Allen County, the program has since expanded into St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties and will serve a total of 480 girls across all three.

“1st Source recognizes the positive impact the Girl Scouts organization has on all our communities,” states Larry Mayers, Fort Wayne Regional President for 1st Source Bank. “Family structures have changed over the decades, and we are pleased to see this organization adapt in order to continue to serve the young women who will be leaders across northern Indiana.”

The Staff-Led Troop program was developed in reaction to many troops in the area not having adult volunteers – often mothers of one of the Girl Scouts – able to step into the role of Troop Leader. This traditional model became less successful over the years since many modern households are led by single parents, or have both parents working outside the home. According to Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, limited family budgets in low-income areas also has a detrimental effect on the availability of volunteer Troop Leaders.

“We’re so pleased to have 1st Source step in to support this initiative,” says Sharon Pohly, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana. “Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place, and to carry that mission forward, we need to adapt to meet their needs. It’s wonderful to have another local institution recognize the impact this program will have and to value it just as much as we do.”