Virtual 5K to support Cary nonprofit that helps at-risk girls find success

CORRAL, a Cary nonprofit that's been making a big difference in the lives of middle school and high school girls in Wake County since 2008, is planning a virtual 5K later this month to support its ongoing efforts.

The virtual Walk.Run.Ride will take place from May 21 to May 28. It's dubbed a 5K, but participants can exercise for any distance they choose and move in whatever way they want — from running, walking or biking to skateboarding, rollerblading or riding a horse. Families with young kids could set up a quick one-mile fun run and use it as a way to explain what CORRAL is and why you're you're supporting it.

CORRAL serves at-risk girls in middle school and high school who need support in school and in life. There, they focus on life skills and training and get academic and mental health support. A licensed professional counselor is on staff, and a full-time education manager works with the girls to make sure they are on grade level and turning in assignments. The group also works with the girls' parents to ensure they have what they need to support their child at home.

And then there are the horses. As part of the program, the girls get a chance to work with CORRAL's horses as a way to address the issues their dealing with at home and in life and develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills that will push them forward. The past year has been tough during COVID, but the nonprofit has worked hard to continue to serve the girls when they needed them most, even opening a day program where they could spend the day learning when classes went online.

"There was not a time during COVID when we were not offering services," said Camille Brown, CORRAL's corporate strategist. "We went straight to virtual, did that for as long as necessary, and then we went back to in-person programming ... The pandemic caused a lot of systemic issues for our families because of the population they are."

Since 2008, the group has served more than 330 girls, according to its website. Of the participants, 85% are passing their classes with a C or better after one year in the program. Some 80% of juniors and seniors are taking honors or AP classes. And all of the program's high school graduates move on to a college program.

This month's fundraiser will help CORRAL continue its programs going forward and help to offset the loss of a large in-person fundraiser which usually happens each spring.

Registration for the virtual event is open through Sunday. Head over to the event's website to sign up. And check Corral's website to learn more about other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.