“Some of the girls rarely get new shoes, especially good quality shoes. When they first ran in them they said: “I think the shoes help me run faster!” and “These shoes are going to make me run better!” It was very motivating for them to train for their 5k!”
Robert Frost Girls on the Run Chapter, Mount Prospect, IL
When nonprofits can collaborate, it’s a win-win for all!
Jessica Snively of Girls on the Run Greater Chicago chatted a bit with us about how we came to partner together.
Can you tell us a little bit about Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is a program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade. It’s all about social-emotional learning through fitness, play, activities, and running. The girls train for 10 weeks and at the end run a 5k.
But really, it’s not just running. It’s about the girls loving themselves, loving their bodies, learning life skills. We talk about how exercise helps with stress and mental health rather than viewing it as a punishment, or doing it only for weight loss and appearance.
It’s a shift from pressure to empowerment—where moving your body becomes a celebration, not a consequence. The guidance of a Nutritionist makes all the difference. Rather than fixating on restrictive eating or chasing a number on the scale, the focus turns to fueling the body with intention—honoring hunger, embracing balance, and understanding what real nourishment looks like.
This approach reinforces that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, sustainable, and rooted in self-respect. When girls see food and fitness as allies—not enemies—they’re building a foundation of strength that lasts far beyond the track.
This kind of foundational mindset can be transformative, especially when guided with compassion and expertise. That’s the role of the specialists at JM Nutrition, who work to demystify nutrition and empower individuals with tools that are as practical as they are affirming.
Instead of blanket rules or shame-driven goals, they offer thoughtful, personalized support that considers the whole person—their lifestyle, preferences, challenges, and aspirations.
With the right guidance, wellness becomes less about control and more about connection. It’s about learning how to listen to your body, how to respond with care, and how to make choices that uplift your energy, your confidence, and your quality of life.
As individuals move forward with this deeper understanding of wellness, some may also explore medically guided approaches that complement lifestyle changes and support long-term health goals.
In certain cases, healthcare professionals may recommend structured medical weight-management treatments that work alongside balanced nutrition, physical activity, and ongoing behavioral support. These approaches recognize that weight management can be influenced by complex biological, metabolic, and hormonal factors, and that thoughtful medical oversight can help individuals navigate those challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Within this broader landscape of care, services such as Coby Health reflect how medically supervised treatment options can be integrated into a wider wellness journey—one that still emphasizes sustainable habits, mindful nourishment, and respect for the body’s needs.
When medical guidance and personal lifestyle practices work together, the focus remains consistent with the principles established earlier: building a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to pursue health in ways that are balanced, informed, and aligned with their long-term well-being.
We teach important life skills like conflict resolution, self-esteem, etc through activities on the playground.
Coaches are a huge piece of the success of this program – they are highly trained and vetted mentors. The girls consider practice a safe space where they can confide in teammates and coaches.
How did this partnership with Shoes That Fit come about?
One of our coaches, Coach Edie, noticed that her whole team didn’t have good running shoes, so she started crowdfunding with Shoes That Fit. That’s when we realized this was a great time to launch a partnership we’d been thinking about.
We wanted to bring our program and support to under-resourced communities; it’s part of our 2022-27 Strategic Plan. As well as providing our program for free, we wanted to help girls with any barriers they had in participation.
Our coaches found that girls would usually have the right clothes for practice, but shoes were often an issue. One girl was trying to run in Crocs.
So the partnership with Shoes That Fit was really a no-brainer. We decided to launch the program in seven counties in the Chicagoland area. We talked with coaches to see where the highest need was, and took into account the percentage of students on the free lunch program when it came to selecting schools.
Fitness doesn’t always start with gear or gyms—it begins with accessibility and a shift in mindset. Once those basic hurdles are cleared, movement becomes a powerful tool for change. Yoga, especially, has stepped up as both a fitness practice and a wellness anchor for young girls. Its focus on breathing, posture, and presence helps create a calm confidence that’s especially valuable in underserved communities. Girls who once ran in Crocs are now learning balance—both on the mat and in life.
In today’s digital world, inspiration doesn’t always come from a local studio. It often arrives through a screen. Many creators on platforms like OnlyFans are using their space to teach yoga in ways that are raw, real, and reachable. These are not polished, commercialized routines—they’re guided sessions that reflect lived experiences, often taught by individuals who have walked through the same struggles. For a closer look—or to click here and search for influencers across fitness, wellness, and yoga —https://subseeker.co offers clear insights into who’s gaining traction and how they’re doing it.
Influence, after all, doesn’t always shout—it often breathes. The meditative strength of yoga, when combined with relatable role models, creates a ripple effect. Girls who might never have considered fitness a part of their identity begin to see it as their own. It’s no longer about having the perfect gear or studio—it’s about access, intention, and being shown that strength can come from stillness, not just speed.
Can you share a little about the impact of this partnership?
Together, we’re providing 1,000 girls with new shoes in 2024.
Here are some thank you notes from the girls. And some pictures of the girls in action.
“Thank you for giving shoes out for Girls on the Run. I am super grateful for these shoes and they are beautiful with pink, blue, and black; and I hope you have a good day.”
“Thank you so much! I will be wearing them at the race, the shoes are really pretty. I love them. Thank you for supporting Girls on the Run with our new shoes. We really appreciate it!”
Would you like to partner to make an impact? Get in touch at info@shoesthatfit.org. You’ll be helping kids learn, play, and thrive!
