COPPERAS COVE, TX — A Killeen Girl Scout launched a new girl troop specifically designed to serve girls at Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter.
“I decided to start a community troop for lower-income girls who maybe don’t have the opportunity because of money issues and things like that,” said Elizabeth Herrera-Freed, Girl Scout Ambassador and high school senior.
Herrera-Freed says that every girl deserves the growth and opportunities that the Girl Scout offers. She reached out to Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter, who is working closely to foster the troop.
“By creating a Girl Scout troop specifically for Cove House residents, Elizabeth intends to extend the documented benefits of Girl Scouting to girls from low-income backgrounds, with the goal of breaking the cycle of multi-generational poverty, helping girls reach their fullest potential by enhancing their self-esteem, leadership, and life skills in a caring, supportive environment,” the Girl Scout of Central Texas said in a statement.
The Girl Scouts of Central Texas reports that this is going to be the first community troop of its kind in the area. They say there is a high need for troops that cater to girls with differing socioeconomic backgrounds.
“We’re hoping to get some more started once school’s started, kind of permeate the area for troops for all girls that need it,” said Katie Johnson with the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
The troop's next meeting is scheduled for June 12. Herrera-Freed will help lead the troop as she works toward earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.
