Foreword Our nation’s families, particularly those served by Boys & Girls Clubs, face extraordinary economic and social challenges. Family PLUS – an innovative family strengthening strategy in partnership with Kimberly‐Clark Corporation – extends the impact of BGCA’s life‐enhancing programs beyond the walls of the Club to strengthen the very foundation of the family. The adults charged with rearing members of Boys & Girls Clubs – be they mothers, fathers, grandparents or caregivers – can now take classes and access services within the Clubs that serve their youth. Families also find unprecedented opportunities to strengthen familial bonds by spending time together in the Club. The chief professional officer of one school‐based Club describes how, each day after school, parents and caregivers can be found interacting with children in the gym, computer lab and community garden. Another Club’s inclusive family activities allow a single mother who cares for her disabled, adult brother to have fun with her son – and this improved relationship seems to have helped the son do better in school. Clubs have submitted so many inspiring stories that we feel we simply must share them. Within the pages of this book you will read about fathers who have managed, even in the face of custody disputes, to stay involved with their children; a displaced single mother who found her family a home; and caregivers helped by Clubs who were able to secure emergency financial assistance, medical care, counseling and even jobs, so that they might better provide for their families. These successes would not have been possible without Family PLUS, which is now offered by more than 2,000 Clubs to some 2 million young people and their families. For that, we are profoundly grateful to our partner, Kimberly‐Clark Corporation, in supporting our endeavor to strengthen families. Sincerely, President and CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Putting Families First: Success Stories From BGCA’s Family PLUS Strategy
Page 1 of 33