The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona Adjusts to Provide Continuous Service to The Children in Our Community
By Clarissa Robertson
While navigating the challenges of this unparalleled year, our local Clubs are proud to also move forward with a Strategic Vision that will guide the organization in achieving excellence throughout the next five years. Based on the newly derived vision, “Recognizing Greatness in Every Club Member,” the plan elevates Clubs’ critical role in creating measurable, life-changing impact for our community’s youth.
The new mission demonstrates how the organization has matured and developed its own style of work that reflects the local community and its needs: “We are steadfast in promoting greatness in our Club youth and their families through inspirational leadership and transformational programs.”
Says Nicole Kennedy, Executive Director, “We are excited to take what we have learned as an organization over the years and create a new plan for the future. We want every child who walks through our doors to know that they are great in their own unique way. We want our families to thrive.”
Aligned with the Clubs’ Vision and Mission, operations have adapted in response to the pandemic. The Clubs have adjusted quickly, closing for only six days after the school closures to assess community need and redesign programs accordingly. Starting March 25, hours were extended from the typical out-of- school hours to a full-time operation, with the intention of helping bridge the critical gaps in education our community has been facing.
The Clubs’ Essential Services Program accommodated families who did not have an option for their child to remain safely at home or with a trusted care provider while working on the front lines to respond to the pandemic. As this special program came to an end, Clubs continued to operate a full-time Summer Program, followed by a School Program with extended hours to allow parents and guardians flexibility in returning to work while their children adjusted to distance learning and various hybrid learning schedules. While Clubs continue to deliver life-changing programs, efforts are also being made to raise needed funds to expand facilities and serve more youth.
Even while Clubs committed to increasing operational hours more than 60 percent during the spring and fall months, the organization had to cancel fundraising events. Like many nonprofits, the operation’s budget has been impacted by these uncertain times. The Clubs are incredibly grateful to funding partners for affirming the value of our kids and investing in their future. This year, more than ever, community support has been instrumental in ensuring that the Clubs can continue to serve our community.
The impact of Clubs’ programs in our community’s families is beyond measure, but is illustrated by this message written by Jamie, age 10, who joined the Club during a difficult time for her family. They are overcoming big challenges and are now on a path to success. It reads: “I’m thankful for the BGC because they take time to help us and they take time from their lives to be with us.”
On behalf of Jamie and all the children we serve, thank you to all who make greatness possible by supporting the Club’s mission!
For more information about our local Clubs’ mission and impact, visit www.bgccaz.org or follow on social media at facebook.com/BGCCAZ and Instagram.com/BGCCAZ