Boys & Girls Clubs offer more than a clubhouse
That’s true – but Boys & Girls Clubs are so much more. Nationally, there are more than 4,300 club locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and U.S. military bases around the world. These clubs provide a realm of activities and opportunities for around 4.8 million Boys & Girls. Boys & Girls Clubs provide challenging academic programs, homework help, guidance on food and nutrition, and an array of sports and recreational activities. A national Harris poll that surveyed three generations of Club alumni found that 57 percent said the Club saved their life, 85 percent said the Club staff made a difference in their knowing right from wrong, and a full 90 percent said the club was one of the best things available to them in their community. Boys & Girls Clubs make an important difference in the lives of their members. In Arizona, 22 organizations serve 73 clubs. One of the things that make Boys & Girls Clubs especially valuable is how each Club offers services and programs that especially meet the needs of youth in their community. In Phoenix, Boys & Girls Clubs offer a close focus on education and health In Phoenix and the West Valley, 12 different Boys & Girls Club locations serve nearly 33,000 youth.
“In reality, we focus a lot on educational opportunities for youth, especially through our after-school and summer programs.” With more than half of the Club’s kids reporting that they do their homework because they can do it at their local Club, it’s no surprise that the 12 Phoenix Clubs offer a full dozen educational programs in addition to daily homework help. Through the array of educational programs, Samano said, “We work to instill a sense of what comes after school.” Programs such Job Readiness, Junior Achievement, and the annual Pizza with the Pros panel help kids gain a sense of real-world work possibilities – and how to achieve their dreams. With local schools cutting back sharply on arts and music, the Clubs also offer more than a half dozen specific programs. Focusing on visual and tactile arts and crafts, performing arts and creative writing fosters creativity and cultural awareness, encouraging imaginative growth and appreciation. Because a lack of dental care is a chronic health issue for many children from economically challenged families, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix also provides dental services through the Dave Pratt Dental Clinic. The full service clinic provided more than 2,500 services to more than 1,000 children last year. How Big Kids Can Support the Boys & Girls Club Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix engage in fund-raising all year long, along with annual events that help focus attention and interest in club activities and programs. Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars celebrates and honors outstanding teens from across Phoenix. Local winners advance to the state programs, and possibly on to regional and even national recognition for their academic and community works. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix also present an annual Global Gala. This year’s event is set for Saturday, May 16, at the Arizona Center located at Van Buren Street and 3rd Street in downtown Phoenix. Along with a silent auction, guests will sample culinary and cocktail specialties from around the world. Tickets are $100 per person, and all proceeds benefit Club services throughout Phoenix.
“We have many volunteer opportunities for people who want to work directly with kids,” Samano explained. “Our clubs are open until 8 pm., making them ideal for potential volunteers who work, and who would like to volunteer directly with kids. “We also have volunteers who work with fundraising and with our special events.” Plenty of opportunities are available for those who prefer to make material donations. “As you can see, for volunteers, we have something that fits everyone’s talents,” said Samano. Where to find a Boys & Girls Club in Metro Phoenix
In Tucson, Boys & Girls Clubs Maintain Tradition – and Take Steps to he Future
“We’re a traditional Boys & Girls Club, with a traditional approach in our programs,” said Maria Lopez-Velazquez, chief professional officer of the Tucson Clubs. “It’s so important to us that we’re affordable. We’re very aware of the circumstances in which many of our children live,” said Lopez-Velazquez. “For that reason, we keep our membership fees at $5 for the school year, and $5 for our summer programs. “And there are no other service fees that kids need to pay.” There are five full service clubhouses in Tucson, with a sixth that currently provides a more limited program on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation. Full services are anticipated at that clubhouse within the coming year. “We’re all about youth development, with a variety of more than 40 programs within our traditional focus,” said Lopez-Velazquez. Character and leadership skills are promoted through programs such as Keystone and Torch Clubs. Each of these clubs, serving different ages, offer participation in local discussion and forum groups, along with active community service projects in collaboration with other local service groups. Kids learn more about varied needs in the community while gaining an understanding of the importance and value of donating their time and energy to help others. There’s a strong emphasis, too, on health and physical education programs, with full gymnasiums at each of the five full service Clubs. The intent is to provide opportunities for kids to remain physically active throughout the day and year, not just during school day gym classes. Both team and individual sports are on the agenda, including basketball, volleyball, soccer and cheerleading. For those who prefer individual sports, there are tennis and golf programs. Three of the Tucson Clubs are located in area parks, offering kids plenty of outdoor space for games and sports activities. Two more Clubs, though, are on school grounds, with one at an elementary school and one at a middle school. “It’s a good relationship,” commented Lopez-Velazquez. “The schools use our gymnasiums for their P.E. programs.” Clubhouses situated close or next to schools, in fact, is a part of the national organization’s Impact 2012 strategy. As schools cut more and more arts and after-school programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs provide a close alternative and supplement. With their array of fine and performing arts programs, along with homework and other education aids, the Clubs are responding to needs that many schools can no longer afford to meet. Join the Club... Here's How to Help It’s only one of the reasons that the Tucson Clubs are relying more and more on material donations for arts and crafts supplies, as well as sports related materials. “We can’t get enough basketballs and soccer balls,” Lopez-Velazquez said, “and we also rely on services in kind for many other needs.” Volunteers are a critical component for the Tucson clubs, Lopez-Velazquez noted. “We have committed, passionate people volunteering. Every one of them is dedicated to helping insure that our kids have the best of the best in every way possible. “We rely on volunteers from the University, as well as our local neighborhoods. We depend on them to help fill needs and bring real added value to our kids.”
It’s the volunteers, she pointed out, who make the organization’s two major fund raising events happen. Just last month (April), The Event drew more than 1,200 people for an evening of gourmet food, wine and spirits. Planning’s now underway for the next major event – the 29th holiday auction, set for Nov. 21. “We have a new theme – ‘The Show Must Go On.’ Despite the economy, despite everything else going on in the world, we still need to be here for our kids,” Lopez-Velazquez said. “We might be one of the best-kept secrets in town in many ways. But our kids are here. We can’t stop now.” About the Tucson Holiday Auction Where to find a Boys & Girls Club in Tucson
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Everyone knows that kids love a good place to hang out. So you might be forgiven if you think that your local Boys & Girls Club is simply a place where your town’s kids can hang out and maybe play a little basketball or soccer.
Sponsored by the Branch Development Board, a group of volunteers, the event is only one way to aid this Phoenix group.
In Tucson, just six Boys & Girls Clubs offer services to nearly 7,000 Tucson youth.
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