Girls on the Run Hampton Roads and Serve Virginia were honored to host the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, for a site visit in celebration of National Volunteer Week and the thousands of lives touched by volunteerism in the region. Mrs. Youngkin joined a team of Girls on the Run participants and their coaches at Larrymore Elementary School in Norfolk for a firsthand experience of the nationally recognized program.

“As First Lady of Virginia, I’m honored to join Girls on the Run of Hampton Roads during National Volunteer Week—a time when we celebrate the heart of every thriving community: our volunteers," said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "I am deeply grateful to the coaches and mentors who ‘go the extra mile’ to lift up the next generation of strong, resilient young women across the Commonwealth.”

Girls on the Run Hampton Roads serves 2,100 girls annually, thanks to the dedication of more than 500 volunteer coaches, each of whom contributes over 40 hours per semester to empowering young girls through a curriculum that integrates physical activity with life skill development. This week’s lesson, which is focused on girl-led community impact projects, teaches participants that they are never too young to create positive change. The timing of Mrs. Youngkin’s visit and National Volunteer Week coinciding with this powerful message is a meaningful reminder of the importance of service and leadership at every age.

“Girls are coming of age in extraordinary times, and they need champions,” said Ellen Carver, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads. “Our volunteer coaches are tireless in providing opportunities for girls to be physically active, emotionally resilient, and mentally strong.”

In a time marked by growing concerns around youth mental health and broader public health challenges, Girls on the Run remains committed to its mission: to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through fun, evidence-based programming that builds resilience and self-esteem.

Named Nonprofit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2023, Girls on the Run Hampton Roads has partnered with 140 schools and community centers this school year. For 19 years, Girls on the Run Hampton Roads has been a force for good in the lives of girls aged 8–14. As the organization continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its quest to ensure that more girls have the opportunity to build confidence, character, and connections that last a lifetime. Learn more at https://www.gotrhr.org.