Girl, Don’t Fret is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls living in foster care and group homes through the transformative power of music and mentorship. We provide free guitar lessons paired with positive life coaching, helping girls build confidence, emotional resilience, and meaningful friendships along the way.
founder, Carlynne Fikes, knows the impact firsthand. At 13, while living in a group home, she picked up a guitar and was surrounded by people who believed in her. That spark grew into a lifelong journey of music, healing, and purpose. Now a professional musician and mental health professional, she created Girl, Don’t Fret to give that same gift back — a space where girls feel seen, supported, and inspired to discover who they are through music.
NEW
COLLECTION:
Introducing our debut line of Girl, Don’t Fret Acoustic Guitar Strings — made for clarity, crafted with care, and built for girls who turn it up. Each light-medium gauge set is made in the USA from high-carbon plated cores and phosphor bronze for tone that’s rich, warm, and bold.
Every purchase helps fund guitar lessons, life coaching, and free strings for girls in foster care and group homes. Two designs, same mission —
shine or rock, your sound matters.
Giving FAQs
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We use the power of music to inspire and uplift girls in foster care and group homes by providing free guitar lessons, mentorship, and life coaching. Every string, every lesson, every connection is designed to help them own their sound and share their story.
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Girl Don’t Fret is currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Once approved, your donations may be retroactively tax-deductible. We’ll keep you updated and provide receipts for your records.
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Absolutely! We welcome gently used or new acoustic guitars, tuners, capos, and gear that can support a beginner musician. Just click here to email us and we’ll coordinate a drop-off or pickup.
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Whether you want to volunteer, host a fundraiser, or become a music mentor, we’d love to hear from you! Click here to email us and let’s make a difference together.