Girls’ Friendly Society(GFS), was established in the United States in the town of Lowell, Massachusetts in 1877 by Elizabeth Edson to help and serve young girls working in the textile mills who were often far from home and lonely. The idea quickly spread across the United States and GFS continues to provide ministry to girls, age 5 through 30, in a safe and accepting environment where Christ’s love is evident.
GFS is an organization within the Episcopal Church and a member of the World Council. Through branches in local churches, GFS strives to respond to human need by serving others and seek to transform unjust structures of society, particularly for women and children. The program is based in local Episcopal churches and open unreservedly to all girls.
Our focus is to provide a support system aimed at developing the whole girl through a program of worship, service to others, study, and recreation to help them grow mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The activities of each branch are arranged by the GFS advisor. Some branches follow the four-level badge curriculum available to advisors at www.GFSCalifornia.org to teach girls about the Bible and Christian values, and to encourage parish and community service. Other branches develop their own curriculum. Members of GFS have opportunities to participate in national and world-wide GFS activities, earn scholarships and ultimately become faith-filled women of the church community.
Contact: Lois Frankforter, GFSUSAPresident@gmail.com
Website: www.gfsus.org
GFS is an organization within the Episcopal Church and a member of the World Council. Through branches in local churches, GFS strives to respond to human need by serving others and seek to transform unjust structures of society, particularly for women and children. The program is based in local Episcopal churches and open unreservedly to all girls.
Our focus is to provide a support system aimed at developing the whole girl through a program of worship, service to others, study, and recreation to help them grow mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The activities of each branch are arranged by the GFS advisor. Some branches follow the four-level badge curriculum available to advisors at www.GFSCalifornia.org to teach girls about the Bible and Christian values, and to encourage parish and community service. Other branches develop their own curriculum. Members of GFS have opportunities to participate in national and world-wide GFS activities, earn scholarships and ultimately become faith-filled women of the church community.
Contact: Lois Frankforter, GFSUSAPresident@gmail.com
Website: www.gfsus.org
