This New York Girl Scout Troop Is The First Of Its Kind. Here's Why
Get ready to feel inspired and amazed because we've got a troop of Girl Scouts who are taking the cookie-selling game to a whole new level! Troop 6000 is not your average group of scouts. These incredible girls are experiencing homelessness or living in shelters, and they are showing the world what they're made of.
Led by the unstoppable Giselle Burgess, Troop 6000 has been making waves since its formation in 2017. Picture this: Giselle, a dedicated mom with five children, including three daughters, was living in a shelter when she decided to start a troop. And guess what? The answer was a resounding YES! Talk about turning adversity into opportunity.
Troop 6000 has sold over $1.6 million worth of cookies since its inception, benefiting thousands of women and girls in shelters across the Greater New York area. But their impact goes beyond the sweet treats. The funds raised cover fees for the girls, enabling them to go on trips, attend summer camps, and participate in other activities that make childhood magical. These girls are proving that no matter what challenges they face, they can still dream big and achieve amazing things.
And the results speak for themselves. Take nine-year-old Gillesy, for example. She was a shy girl before joining Troop 6000, but now she's bursting with confidence and a sense of adventure. Gillesy sums it up perfectly, saying, "Mommy, I'm not shy anymore!" Girl power at its finest!
But here's the cherry on top: Troop 6000's success has inspired similar troops around the country. From Middle Tennessee to Greater Los Angeles, girls experiencing homelessness are joining the movement. Troop 6000 is like a wildfire of hope, spreading its warmth and support wherever it goes.
The impact of Troop 6000 goes beyond the girls themselves. The mothers of these brave scouts often face their own challenges as they navigate life in shelters. But Troop 6000 offers them an opportunity to lead within their community. They take on volunteer roles, contributing to the troop's activities and creating a sense of empowerment for themselves and their daughters. It's a beautiful cycle of support and growth.
But hold on, there's more! Troop 6000 recently expanded its reach to include immigrants and asylum seekers in New York City's Emergency Response and Relief Centers. Over 100 migrant girls have joined the troop, bringing their unique stories and cultures to the mix. Troop 6000 embraces every girl, regardless of her background or status, reminding us that we all deserve care and support.
The impact of Troop 6000 goes beyond the financial and logistical. These incredible girls are learning important life skills, building confidence, and discovering their true potential. Gillesy and her friend Jasmin, who were once shy, are now dreaming of becoming child therapists to help other kids, just as they were helped through Girl Scouts. They are already putting their empathy into action, spreading positivity and encouragement to the newest troop members.
Troop 6000 teaches us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength, resilience, and joy. They remind us that a small act of kindness, like buying a box of cookies, can have a profound impact on someone's life. So, the next time you see those Girl Scouts selling cookies, remember the incredible journey of Troop 6000 and join the cause. Let's support these amazing girls as they continue to prove that with determination and a dash of Girl Scout spirit, anything is possible!
