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girl spouts; <br />f orange counter <br />October 11, 2023 <br />Dear Commissioners or Councilmembers, <br />Since the founding of the Girl Scouts movement more than a century ago, our focus has <br />been on empowering girls to become leaders in their communities by equipping them <br />with critical life skills through exploration and confidence -building activities. Whether • • . <br />visiting a local animal shelter, performing community service, filming a movie, or <br />camping outdoors, Girl Scouts learn to take risks and trust their instincts while working <br />with others. <br />In Santa Ana, the Girl Scouts are making a difference. In fact, this past year alone, more <br />than 1,500 girls from elementary to high school were part of a neighborhood troop — a <br />record in the city. Girl Scouts also opened a new brick -and -mortar office near <br />downtown Santa Ana to provide more local access to program services and much - <br />needed space for the girls and troop leaders to hold weekly gatherings. However, the <br />organization's future growth will not happen fast enough without more conveniently <br />located meeting spaces in this city. <br />The need for Girl Scouts and their mentoring and leadership services in the county's <br />second-largest city is unquestioned. However, the acute shortage of safe and secure <br />places to hold meetings and activities that are walkable or near public transportation for <br />young girls and their families is a challenge. <br />Related Bristol's proposed development in south Santa Ana begins to address this <br />challenge and offers real hope for the Girl Scouts and numerous other local groups. The <br />developer plans to include a community center in its new mixed -use project for use by <br />nonprofits, neighborhood associations, civic groups, and service organizations. The mix <br />of residential, shops, services, restaurants, and open space would make the Related <br />Bristol development project an ideal location for the Girl Scouts to continue growing its <br />essential presence in Santa Ana. <br />Please join us in supporting projects like these to address a community need. <br />Sincerely, <br />Dr. Vikki Shepp <br />Chief Executive Officer <br />Girl Scouts of Orange County <br />Girl Scouts of Orange County <br />Council Headquarters <br />9500 Toledo Way, <br />Suite#100 <br />Irvine, CA 92618 <br />P: 949-461-8800 <br />girlscontsoc.org <br />