A Note From Matt

Throughout the past year, we have been able to provide a safe and positive environment for over 5,000 youth in Northwest Indiana. This year’s focus has been on recovery; steadily regaining traction following the effect of the pandemic on our programming and attendance rates. With that being said, 2022 was a big year for our organization and the youth we serve.

We’re very proud of our 2022 accomplishments. Most notably:

• In February we hired Ellis Dumas III as the Vice President of Program Quality and Outcomes. His newly created department was designed to improve the Club experience for our kids, ensuring a welcoming environment for all of our youth.

• Created a new position, Director(s) of Social Emotional Wellness, to offer our youth access to critical social and emotional learning, as well as beneficial social services. We immediately hired two experienced social workers for this role, allowing them to shape the program for years to come.

• In April, our local Youth of the Year, Jamie Cruz, won the Indiana State Youth of the Year award. It was our fourth state win in a row, with many more to come from our bright youth.

• Partnered with Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation earlier this year to bolster athletic and leadership programs at our John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club.

• Finalized and opened our new Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club, which has since seen massive gains in membership totals and average daily attendance.

• Hosted our annual Coming Together Conference, where more than two hundred staff were able to collaborate ideas and celebrate their Club successes under the same roof. Our focus was on diversity, equity, and inclusion training, staff development, and team building.

• Announced our South Haven Boys & Girls Club renovation project - thanks in part to funding from Porter County American Rescue Plan Act.

• Announced a massive collaborative effort between Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, Crossroads YMCA, Methodist Hospitals, the City of Gary and Dean and Barbara White Foundation to renovate and expand the Tolleston area in Gary, IN.

• Finally, we ended our year with our biggest Christmas to Remember event yet, providing a record 500 youth with meaningful gifts for the holidays.

The challenges we face as an organization are part of our mission, embedded in the core of our approach to philanthropy – as are the sweet triumphs and victories we achieve for our youth. Ultimately, none of this great work would be possible without the massive collaborative effort of funding partners like yourself. We would like to thank you for your continued support in helping to make a difference in the lives of kids all across the community. Your generosity has helped to provide hope and opportunity for so many young people, and we are truly grateful.

Matt Glaros Board Chair

Mission

To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Vision

To be the best youth development organization in our communities perpetually committed to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Values

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Board of Directors and employees believe all people are created equally. We are perpetually committed to a culture that embraces & promotes racial equity and inclusion.

We promote a place where everyone is free from bias, prejudice and discrimination. We respect each person and value every voice. We have zero tolerance for discrimination in any form.

We provide an inclusive environment for a diverse group of employees, volunteers, donors and Club members, where opportunities and equal access are demonstrated at all levels.

Together, as youth allies and advocates, we pledge to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive communities across Greater Northwest Indiana.