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This story was written by Maddie Sachtler, MPP ’26 | Sanford School of Public Policy, DU, who served as an intern with the Community Health team from August 2024-Apriil 2026.
StrongHER TogetHER is a Durham-based organization dedicated to empowering young girls and building lasting connections across schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. Girls are nominated by their school counselors to join the program, typically in the spring of their fourth-grade year. Each participant comes from a different school in the Durham area, creating a diverse community of girls who might not have otherwise met. Once accepted, they remain part of StrongHER TogetHER for eight years—through middle school and high school—until graduation.
This long-term commitment allows the girls to grow and evolve together, learning not only about themselves but about each other’s lives, cultures, and experiences. Over time, they come to recognize that they are more alike than different, and that standing united is far more powerful than the things that separate them. The organization recently celebrated its first class of graduates this past April—an incredible milestone marking eight years of impact. Even more inspiring is the growing number of former graduates who return to serve as mentors for the younger girls, including those just beginning their journey in fifth grade.
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StrongHER TogetHER was founded on the belief that every girl deserves something to be cheered for. In some cases, the program helps fund extracurricular opportunities for participants, while also encouraging girls to show up and cheer each other on—whether in academics, sports, arts, or personal achievements. It’s not just about improving individual circumstances; it’s about creating a culture of mutual support and belonging.
“Because we are a grassroots initiative that operates via the leadership of 80 community volunteers, and because the families we support play such an integral role in guiding our work, there’s a we-got-you vibe that pervades our program. So even though the funding struggle is real and getting real-er, the truth is we feel really lucky to be together, building this community from the ground up and keeping our focus squarely on the kids we love. No doubt about it, we are beyond grateful to Duke Health for your steadfast support over the years. We’ll be working hard to make you proud!”
StrongHER TogetHER founder Stacey High Donoghue
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The growth and impact of StrongHER TogetHER have been made possible largely through the generosity of grants and community-based funding. These grants are absolutely critical to the organization’s operations — truly the definition of grassroots success. What began with just $300, a handful of passionate volunteers, and no participants has grown, in only eight years, into a thriving network of 80 volunteers supporting dozens of girls across Durham. Remarkably, StrongHER TogetHER operates with no paid staff. Instead, the funds are largely distributed to assure that all boundaries to participation in the program are removed, i.e. families do not pay for StrongHER TogetHER activities, administration is minimal, and transportation is provided for those who need it.
Still, as funding landscapes shift amid discontinued federal funding, StrongHER TogetHER faces new challenges. Many organizations are now vying for the same limited resources, making it increasingly difficult for small, community-based programs to stand out. The team is actively exploring ways to diversify revenue — particularly through corporate partnerships — by connecting companies’ philanthropic priorities, such as literacy or youth development, with the tangible impact StrongHER TogetHER delivers.
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One of the most exciting and transformative initiatives within StrongHER togetHER is the VillageHERs program — a 2.5-year-old effort made possible through dedicated funding from Duke Health and the Building Healthy Communities grant. VillageHERs was created to remove barriers to extracurricular learning and enrichment for girls in the StrongHER TogetHER program. Its mission is to ensure that every girl, regardless of background or financial situation, has access to the kinds of opportunities that can spark new passions, build confidence, and foster lifelong skills.
Through VillageHERs, girls receive funding for activities, supplies, and equipment, as well as administrative and transportation support to ensure full participation in activities that she is excited to learn more about. Each girl is also paired with a community mentor, further strengthening the program’s focus on connection, guidance, and personal growth. Examples of the opportunities made possible include violin lessons, cooking classes, dance instruction, the acquisition of musical instruments, and even travel support to nearby cities for choral performances. These experiences open doors to creativity, leadership, and cultural exploration—helping each participant see herself as capable and worthy of success.
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Currently, 18 girls are part of the VillageHERs program, supported by the $15,000 in funding that Duke Health has provided. The goal moving forward is to continue growing participation and expanding the range of opportunities offered. Simply put, VillageHERs would not exist without the generous funding assistance from Duke Health and the Building Healthy Communities grant. Their investment has made a tangible difference in the lives of Durham girls—turning dreams into real experiences and ensuring that every participant has something to learn, to celebrate, and to be proud of.