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History of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley The mission of the boys and girls clubs of America is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. A Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, and hope and opportunity. On June 7, 1994, the pilot site of the first Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley opened its doors at 350 3rd Street Moline serving 63 children its first day. Since then, more than 1,000 youth have been served and there are now nearly 300 active members. A new facility at 406 7th Street in Moline opened its doors on November 26, 2001 and is attracting new participants daily. This 10,000 square foot facility provides a much larger space and includes a state-of-the-art technology center. In 1997, the second club was opened at First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa Street in Davenport. Nearly 200 youth are active members. About 110 kids aged 6-18 attend each day at both clubs where they do their homework, play, and learn how to grow up to be responsible and productive members of the Quad Cities. Boys and Girls Club staff provide guidance and mentoring for young people in five areas: Education and Career Development Health and Life Skills The Arts Character and Leadership Development Sports, Fitness and Recreation These programs are offered using three basic methods. First, individual assistance where a Club Assistant provides one-on-one attention is provided to an individual child. Second, mentoring and teaching is provided in small groups in which members meet regularly with an adult leader for a specific program activity or purpose. And third, children meet in large groups or in drop-in activities where adult supervised activities help boys and girls develop social and participation skills needed to become active community members. These methods are based on youth development strategies that emphasize a sense of competence, usefulness, influence, and belonging in an environment where youth are given a chance to be heard and to influence decisions. When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem of youth is enhanced and their potential to become responsible citizens and community leaders is realized. The Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of Boys and girls Club of America, which now has more than 2,800 clubs serving 3.3 million youth annually and an aggregate budget exceeding $800 million. For six years in a row, the “Philanthropy 400” report in the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Boys and Girls Club of America in the #1 position among youth service organizations. Boys and Girls Clubs serve youth in all fifty states and in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Boys and Girls Clubs of America have 418 Clubs in public housing. It has 266 clubs affiliated with the U.S. military and another 554 Clubs in schools. It has 43 Clubs in Indian lands. 49% of its youth members are from single parent households. A dedicated board of directors and staff as well as dozens of community volunteers plan and deliver a broad range of high quality after-school and summer programs each year that attract support from United Way, Individuals, corporations and foundations. For additional information, please contact Becky Clark, Executive Director at 309-757-5777 ext. 221. Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION To inspire and enable all young people, especially those from challenging circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. WE PRACTICE A SET OF PRINCIPLES The Boys and Girls Clubs Have full-time professional leadership, supplemented by part-time trained professional staff and volunteers. Insures that all boys and girls can afford to belong. Membership dues are $10 annually & program fees kept low so that all boys and girls can afford to belong. Is for all girls and boys of all races, religions & ethnic cultures. Has a varied and diversified program that recognizes & responds to the collective & individual needs of youth. Is non-sectarian. Is building-centered. Activities are held in warm friendly atmosphere of a specially designed, dedicated building. Is guidance-orientated. Our club emphasizes values inherent in the relationship between the boys & girls & adult leaders. They help boys and girls make appropriate satisfying choices in their physical, educational, personal, social, emotional, vocational, & spiritual lives. Has an open door policy. Our club is open to all members at any time during the hours of operation. USING THREE BASIC METHODS Individual Assistance is a purposeful contact made by a club worker or volunteer with a girl or boy one-on-one. Small Groups consist of a small number of members who meet regularly with an adult leader for a specific program activity or other purpose. Interaction between participants is as important as the interaction between the staff, workers and participants. Large Groups who spend time with adult leaders in group-building activities, sports, field trips or other special events. As with all Boys and Girls Clubs activities, these groups are planned around the core program described below. TO PROVIDE CORE PROGRAMS Based on physical , emotional, cultural, and social needs and interests of girls and boys, and recognizing development principals, our club offers diversified program activities in five areas: Education Sports & Recreation The Arts Health/Life Skills Leadership BASED ON A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY A sense of competence – the feeling there is something boys and girls can do and do well. A sense of usefulness – the opportunity to do something of value for other people A sense of belonging – a setting where an individual knows he or she “fits” and is accepted A sense of power of influence – a chance to be heard and to influence decisions
info@bgcmv.org
www.bgcmv.org |
