Annual Report - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana

20 Annual 17 Report

“It’s truly about making the time for the important activities in our community...our worth is truly revealed by giving our time and treasure.”

- Tanya Leetz, Second Vice Board Chair

Consistency. Leadership. Strength of Mission.

It’s been almost a decade since I began serving on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. The changes that have occurred in this time period are vast and wide. Remaining the same however, is the organization’s commitment to our communities most valuable asset: our youth.

Over the course of 2017, the Board took bold and historic action when we reached across county lines to ask Ryan Smiley, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County to lead our organization in an interim capacity.

We were seeking lost consistency, leadership and ability to advance Boys & Girls Clubs mission.

The decision paid off as we experienced historical growth under Ryan’s leadership. Vision and forward thinking are the keys to this tremendous success and growth. For example: • Average daily attendance increased 40% from Oct. 2016 and Dec. 2017.

• Active membership grew by 1,046 youth in the same time period.

• Increases in all key performance indicator areas have occurred.

With increased attendance and membership, the lives of youth in our community are transformed because they walk through our Club doors.

Because of you, a child you will most likely never meet, is given the chance of a GREAT Future! Nearly five-thousand youth in The Region are flourishing and becoming the person they are meant to be when given access to our innovative programs designed to empower youth to excel in school, become good citizens and to lead healthy, productive lives.

As Board Chair, I am thankful for the passion and support of our Board, investors, Youth Development Professionals, volunteers, and administrative staff. Thank you for a monumental year of growth and change with more milestones in the coming year. “Same Mission. Greater Impact” will be the mantra into the next year as our Board also made the landmark decision to merge with Clubs in Porter County; the uniting of these two organizations will have greater impact in the lives of 10,000 youth in our communities as Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana!

With sincere gratitude and appreciation, Julie Bieszczat President, Barney Enterprises Management Services

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“The Club is like my second home and what once was staff to me have become family.

- Samaria, Hammond Club, age 15

Our Leaders Board of Directors Chair Julie Bieszczat

Legal Counsel Benjamin Ballou

First Vice Chair Roosevelt Haywood III

Past Chairs Council Leslie Kiefer Jeffrey Strack

Second Vice Chair Tanya Leetz Treasurer Chris White Secretary J. Michael Baird

Board Members Tracy Brough Paul Dawning Adam Decker Dan DeHaven Denise Dillard Eric Evans Robert Gardiner

Phillip Greiner Roy L. Hamilton Mike Hooper Bishop Donald J. Hying Charles Kreisl John Matthiesen Gary Maxwell Renee Ramon-Doughman Rob Rothschild Christine Russell Mike Saks David Stalling Chareice White Dr. Edward Williams

Administrative Staff Ryan Smiley Interim President Lisa Patrick Director of Operations Buffy Adams Director of Resource Development and Marketing George Tucker Director of Information Technology LaShawn Wilson Human Resource Generalist Tom Trakas Director of Facilities Orlandando Drummond Grant Manager 5

Changing Lives Through Music When Alex was dropped off at the John Will Anderson Club in Gary for the first time by his foster parent, academics were the furthest thing from his mind. That is no surprise, considering our Gary community is plagued with poverty and crime. Teens like Alex are influenced regularly by gangs, gun violence, drugs and poverty.

Within days of becoming a member, Alex was immersed in the hope and opportunity our Club offers. “When I first started coming to the Club, I really didn’t care about much. I was in trouble. But then Miss Rose and the rest of the staff began to show me what honesty, fun, respect and workethic means.”

He discovered he really enjoys fine arts programming that focuses on six areas including music making, photo illustration, game design, graphic design, film and animation – the perfect blending of art and technology that enables children to be creative and expressive. This programming also helps teens acquire a cohesive set of concepts and problem solving skills, which transfer to areas of academics and real-world situations.

In the Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. Digital Music Studio, Alex composes songs about his personal experiences and appreciates how his eyes were opened to be whatever he wants to be.

Too Good For Drugs Program Too Good For Drugs, generously sponsored by Geminus Corporation, puts social and emotional learning to work through fun and interactive lessons, building the self-confidence young people need to make healthy choices and achieve success.

Members enroll in the program and attend weekly sessions to cover current topics on the subjects. One of the priority outcomes of our Clubs is Healthy Lifestyles. This is one of many programs that focuses on ensuring the next generation is living their fullest, healthiest lives.

Keeping Fine Arts Programming Alive for Vital Reasons While many fine arts programs face elimination or cuts in funding all together, Boys & Girls Clubs Fine Arts Programming continues to thrive due to a keen understanding of why arts education is so important.

“We are passionate about exposing a large number of our Club members to the arts,” explained Lisa Patrick, Chief Programs Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “Researchers from UCLA found students with high arts involvement performed higher on standardized achievement tests indicating that arts programming can help in the overall development of healthy young people.”

Despite the strong correlation between arts programming and academic success, in recent years, financially starved school districts have had to trim or even eliminate arts education. According to a 2012 report from the Department of Education, the economic downturn followed a prolonged decline in funding for public school art, dance and theater programs. The study also detected a concerning “equity gap” in arts education between high- and low-income students.

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The Impact Your Gift Makes.

820

Average Daily Attendance

4,796

97%

of members report they expect to graduate high school.

annual memberships

76%

of members report there is always a staff member who wants them to do their best.

94%

of members report never being arrested in the last year.

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26,347

after-school snacks served.

Financials - Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana *2017 unaudited

Revenue

Foundations & Trusts $2,298,000 Grant Revenue $485,493 Program & Membership Fees $360,673 United Way $180,000 Fundraising $392,238 Total: $3,716,696 Net Assets: $7,429,864

Expenses Programming $2,580,933 Administration $948,773 Total: $3,529,706

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Corporate Investors The Boeing Company Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center Foundations of East Chicago Anonymous Geminus Corporation Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs John W. Anderson Foundation Lake Area United Way

Corporate Partners Best Buy Foundation Centier Bank City Of East Chicago Crew Carwash The Carmax Foundation SIA Foundation, Inc. Strack & Van Til LLC

Corporate Champions Ameristar Casino Carmeuse Lime & Stone Peoples Bank Ross Stores, Inc Corporate Office

Corporate Ambassadors BMO Harris Bank

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Crown Point Community Foundation John and Ann Barney Family Foundation Lee Foundation Peoples Bank Community First W Charles Bennett CPA LLC

Corporate Advocates AccessAbilities, Inc. All Ways Up Foundation ArcelorMittal Matching Gifts DirectBuy Gleaners Of South Lake County, Inc. Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors (GNIAR) Horizon Bank NIPSCO South Shore Arts Target Corporation Tarpo Family Foundation

Corporate Benefactors The Bon-Ton Stores Boys & Girls Clubs of America Community Foundation of NWI Eco Services

Family Dollar Family Hope Community Foundation Haywood and Fleming Associates Hodges & Davis, P.C. Horseshoe Casino The Lamar Companies Metro Recycling, Inc. Midwest Combined Federal Campaign Nisource Charitable Foundation Old Navy Powers & Sons Construction Stracci Criminal Defense, P.C. Swartz Retson & Company, P.C. Truist Westville Employee Activity Planning Committee White Lodging Services

Corporate Patrons Anonymous Buffalo Wild Wings Crown Point Buffalo Wild Wings Hammond Buffalo Wild Wings Homewood Buffalo Wild Wings Schererville Catholic Diocese of Gary Clifton Larson Allen LLP

Dawn Brancheau Foundation Fraternal Order Of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary Aerie #2529 ArcelorMittal Anonymous Giving Grifols Plasma Center Kappa Kappa Kappa Inc. Kohl’s Corporate Office Korellis Roofing, Inc. Moto On Ice Inc. Proven Business Systems S C Legend LLC Sandbar Grill Teachers Credit Union

Corporate Friends Absolute Apparel and Promotions Allstate Giving Campaign Alsip Pallet Co. Amazon Smile Foundation The Arsh Group, Inc. AT&T United Way Employee Giving Buffalo Wild Wings Calumet City Buffalo Wild Wings Lansing Buffalo Wild Wings Merrillville Calumet Breweries, Inc. Cedar Lake Lioness Club Cellular Connection Choice Home Protection Bobb .com Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex CFC Davidson Manors, Inc. Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc.

E.C. Babilla, Inc. Roofing & Sheetmetal Shaunna Finley First Financial Bank Fraternal Order of Police Chris Anton Lodge #125 Gap Foundation Guy & Allen Funeral Directors Hobart Lions Club Indiana, Kentucky & SW Ohio Combined Federal Campaign Albert’s Diamond Jewelers JPMorgan Chase Foundation L F Nortons, LIC. LLC Laborers’ Int’l UnionLocal #41 Lake County Police Association Local #72 Lake Shore True Value Hardware Law Office of Roy Dominguez Lawrence Ricci Industrial Equipment MLB Management LLC Lowell Zeta Chi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa MacLennan & Bain Insurance McShane’s Business Products New Revelation MB Church Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trade Panda Restaurant Group Paul Dawning Insurance Agency, Inc. Pepino’s Restaurant Phi Beta Psi/ Theta Rho Associate Chapter PK Financial LLC

Protsman Home & School Assn.

Essence Rivera Smith, Bizzell, & Warner Funeral Home State Employees’ Community Campaign Tabitha Calyx Federated Club Tennessee Valley Combined Federal Campaign The Service League of Hammond TJT Tire & Service, LLC Town of Merrillville Treasurer of Lake County United Health Group United Way of LaPorte County United Way of Central Indiana Inc. United Way of Central Maryland United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey United Way of Metropolitan Chicago United Way of Porter County Inc. USA Automotive Systems Well Done Dining Inc Woodmen Of The World Grove 6057

If we have omitted or misspelled your name mistakenly, please accept our apology and contact our main office at 219.881.1060

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Individual Partners Charles Kreisl Kuiper Charitable Trust

Individual Champions J. Andy Garza

Individual Advocates Julie A. Bieszczat Leslie Kiefer Tanya & Michael Leetz

Individual Benefactors Stephen & Victoria Adik J. Michael Baird Peter & Michelle Castellarin Nancy L. Clifford Eric Evans Jon Henderlong Mike Hooper Dion Katsouros Susan Kolby John H. Matthiesen Gary G. Maxwell Patrick J McShane Nicole D. Brian J. Otis Robert Pahanich Edward Remster Rob Rothschild Michael M. Saks Rayson Salt Scott Schermer Jeffrey D. Strack Frances J. Taylor

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Thomas Warren Chris White David S. Wilkinson George Yaksic

Individual Patrons Darryl E. Anderson Benjamin T. Ballou John D. Coffman Dan H. DeHaven John J. Diederich Denise Dillard Erica Fritsch Robert Gardiner Phillip Greiner Roy Hamilton Daniel J Hanzel Mark Jackson Stanley Lee Brian Long Sharon Marciniak Tom Marzullo Bonnie Muir Terrence and Marianne Murphy Kim Nutter Claude Powers Ruben Roque Julie Scherer Richard Skarvan Matthew Thompson Kenneth Woodside Jean Zoch

Individual Mentors Lorraine Anderson Paul J. Bailey David A. Bochnowski Tracy A. Brough Sam Burrows Thomas Busch

Bruce Bush Paul Dawning Adam D. Decker Todd Fike Ruben Garcia Patrick M. Gorman Mike Gubitz Dennis William Hathaway Bishop Donald Hying John Kiernan Brad Lambert Eric Marion Luis F. Molina Nathan Monico Clarence Montgomery, Jr. Rocio Monzalvo John E. Owens Venita Roberts Arnold Rodgers Samantha Roper Diana Sands George Scott David Wacnik Mary Wermuth Michael & Susan Zweig

Individual Friends Buffy Adams Nicole Alcorn Anonymous David M. Austgen John & Jeanne Austgen Kristina Balog Earnestine Berry Clark S. Bone Ryan Bothwell Charles J. Bradsky Sharla Brown Alan Bryant Rich Buchler Jennifer Buss Robert H. Carnahan Sandra Carter

Michael Catchur Eric & Jill Chancellor Pamela J. Chitwood Adam Clough Tiauna Cole Randall J. Cook Carol Crouse Barry Cummins Angela Curtis Michael & Jennifer Dauterman Mike David Tiffani Davis Kyle Dempsey Albertine M. Dent Jennifer Doffin Peter Douvry Claudia P. Duffy Kylie Duhamell William and Jayne Eaton Susan Edmonds Ryan Elinkowski William Ellis Laurence R. Esposito Maria Feliciano Pamela DM Fernandez Donald and Katrina N Fesko Monique Flowers Ruby Flowers Sally Frederick Mary A. Gibson Gregory J. Gulvas Isha Haley Terry Hammond Jason Harris James Haworth Jennifer Heiman Priscilla Herochik Stephanie Hlavacek Tiffany Hodges Terry Holley Margaret Houchin Diane Hudacin Elaine V. Humbert Andrew Hunter

Laura Jackson Audrey Johnson James Johnson Dakita L. Jones Diane Jostes Lindsey Kajmakoski Debra M. Kaplan Christina Kellermeier David Kimmel Nick Kolintzas Barbara Kubiak Cynthia A. Lagacy Elden B. Lahayne Matthew G. Lambert Lillie M. Lardydell Lisa Le Joseph Lehr Peter Liguori William D. Lohr Kenneva Lenore Mapps Aida Marks Lois A. Martinez Andrew Matura Tabitha Melendez Vanessa Mendoza Audra M. Mitmoen Yariee Moore Daniel Moynihan Mrs. Daveta A. Andrews Tammy Kay Mullady Alissa Neuman Shannon Nicholson Joshua Paniaguas Elizabeth Panzica Thomas G. Paterson Lydia D. Peterson Waylan Phillips Jennifer Prybys Matthew Pryor Fay Pulido Vivan Ramos Michelle Remesnik Denise Remington F.C. Richardson Mitsuko Richardson Denise Rodriguez

Christine Russell Millie Ruzbasan William Schenk Michael S. Schneider Marc Schwind Calvin Scott Susan Sendejas Mitchell Serber Dominick Silvio Shannon Smith Mary Sola Daniel Springer Amy L. Sroufe Ilanit Sternberg Sandra L. Stevens Ernest & Cynthia Strack Michelle Suits Deno Takles Ray N. Taylor Yash Thakkar Michele Thomas Shirley P. Thomas Kari Thomsen Patricia J. Titus Sharon Ton Bradley Treadway Barbara Van Rite Prentiss Walker Ryan & Carol Walsh Scott Walters Elizabeth Ward Thomas Wefler David Wehrle Marguerite Wilder Francette Williams Jaime A. Williams Linda Wirtz Rhenwick R. Young Janet Zubrys

If we have omitted or misspelled your name mistakenly, please accept our apology and contact our main office at 219.881.1060

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Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Proudly sponsors this program

ago

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Thank You to Our Partner Sponsors

Thank You to Our Champion Sponsors

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Let’s Come in First Place!

Last year, we were so close! In fact, we missed first place by just eleven seconds! In May of 2018, we hope to come in first place! But we need YOUR help!

The 10th annual Art Van Charity Challenge, May 1-22, where Midwest organizations raise money, awareness and donors through a friendly fundraising competition. Focusing on organizations committed to women, children and human services in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and St. Louis, participating organizations, like Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, are vying for $305,000 in grand prizes to help further their missions.

The Challenge launches on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Noon EST and runs through Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 1:59:59 p.m. EST. We are in the Tier One Challenge – Hoping to secure First Place!

• • • • •

1st Place receives $100,000 2nd Place receives $50,000 3rd place receives $25,000 4th place receives $15,000 5th place receives $10,000

The best part of the Art Van Charity Challenge is that even if our organization does not win any of the grand prizes, we keep the money raised, through the generosity of others, during the campaign.

Help us showcase our Greater Northwest Indiana pride by participating in the Challenge this May as either a donor or Challenge Team Member! We are in it to win it!

Visit our charity page at bgcgreaternwi.org/artvan to learn more about the challenge.

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Night of Flight Coming in September 2018!

Night of Flight is a unique Northwest Indiana experience you will not want to miss! What’s better than flying high above the Region, while raising money for GREAT Futures?

Whether you need to impress your top clients and customers or if you want to give your hardworking leadership staff a true token of your appreciation, we have just the ticket!

This one of a kind evening will include food, cocktails, helicopter rides, tours of private jets, high-end prizes and photo ops inside luxury cars!

Sure to be one of the hottest event tickets this season, email badams@bgcgreaternwi.org to reserve your tickets today!

Reserve Your Seat

It’s not just about exploring the future....

It’s about helping them build it.

The Region that Works has been built, in part, by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, since 1954. In fact, 1 in 16 working adults is a Club alumni.

At Boys & Girls Clubs, it’s not just about building the next generation of Region leaders, it’s about providing caring mentors who teach life lessons. Our staff set high expectations for kids and teens, making it possible for them to imagine and realize their full potential in a safe, fun environment. Giving them a place to become who they dream to be.

Contact alumni@bgcgreaternwi.org to share your Club story today.

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Boys & Girls Clubs Lead by Unified Example

*Reprinted (in part) with permission from The Times Media Group Editorial Board.

On New Year’s Day, two organizations, and their 10 individual clubs, merged into one common organization. The net result is a unified colossus serving 10,000 children, a combined staff of 200 and hundreds of Region volunteers now working toward a single goal. Shared administrative overhead will create efficiencies, allowing more money to be channeled into the high-quality programs that make Boys & Girls Clubs so effective in their mission.

Now, the organizations will be competing as one for charitable giving, grants and other financial support. Beyond good business sense is the combined collateral of one civic-minded purpose. The number and quality of programs just got better for all 10,000 children. It’s a perfect New Year’s lesson for the many.

How many individual foundations provide grants within the confines of community boundaries in Northwest Indiana? How much stronger could those organizations’ voices and purposes become if they united?

In a similar vein, how many elected offices would be better served under consolidated departments with qualified professional, versus popularly elected, supervision?

Region Boys & Girls Clubs have decided to define 2018 as a year of strength through the consolidation of common purpose. This resolution should spread like wildfire.

The next stage of Region growth lies in realizing, and acting, on the needs of our common purpose.

Continued on page 7 of the Porter County Annual Report.

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Two Organizations Now One. Same Mission. Greater Impact.

Lake and Porter Counties

Together

Thank You to Our Partner Sponsors

Thank You to Our Champion Sponsors

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Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

LABORATORIES INCORPORATED

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Bryce* & Edna Ruth Billings # Tom* & Georgia Bricker # Pete & Roseann Candela # Rolando & Diane Chilian Jay & Cheryl Costas # Suman Das # Max* & Thelma Dickey # G.L. & Mildred Findling* # Ordell & Marilyn Gertsmeier* # Dr. & Mrs. Eric Hein Tom & Karen Kennedy # Nancy M. & Raymond D. Kickbush # Richard P. Koenig* # Brad & Deb Koeppen # Edward & Margaret Larson* # Chuck & Patty Leer # Jim & Jean Lewis # Mrs. Wilbur (Marge) Lippert* # Darrell & Kristen Mallory # Cindy & Nick Mandich # Helen Marks* # Dean Moore # Dick Motsinger* # Christine & Alan Pouch # Les & Donna Robinson* # Jerry & Linda Rodenbarger # Leroy & Sharon Romine* Rick & Maribeth Rupcich # Mary Shearer* # Michael & Sharon Simpson # Norma L. Slanger* # Jan & Harley Snyder # Mark & Kelli Sulski # Morrie & Denise Sunkel # Stuart Sweet & Martha Wehrenberg # George & Kathy Vrabel # Charles P. Welter # Mrs. William Welter* #

Nancy WhippleHuffman* # Jeff & Deborah Wolf # Jennifer Wright # Keystone Club * Denotes Deceased

In Honor of Kroeger Grandchildren

by Judith Kroeger Rolando & Diane Chilian

by Otto Schultz Matthew Harris

by Sharon Harris

Larry Murphy

by Joan Murphy Carl B. Philips

by Fred & Wanda Philips Paul Wallace

by Larry & Jeanne Daly Frank Jancarich Paul & Xenia Jancarich Patricia Hart-Jacobs

by Pat & Nancy Murphy David Hamaker

By Arthur & CHristene Schneidt

In Memory of Bailey Kovalan

by Faculty Association of District 205 Frances Mae Moore

by Gary & Ramona Bretz Computer Services, Inc. James & Elizabeth Davis David DeBoer Deborah Jacobs Kevin Kokjohn Terri Kuss Susan Lambert Karen Land Michael & Tanya Leetz David & Barb Lisak Tim & Shelly Rice Adam & Yvonne Roth Michael & Laura Ryan Toni Schroeder Tonn & Blank Construction Matt Gabis

by Damien & Rita Gabis

If we have omitted or misspelled your name mistakenly, please accept our apology and contact our main office at 219.464.7282

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A.J. Udvare Patrick Urschel Gary & Fannie R. Vallangeon Kurt Vanderah Laurel Vincent William & Bonnie Vinovich Todd Wagenblast Kimberly Wallace Pat Warther Jeffery & Vicki Wasemann Paul Wcisel Tom & Doreen Webb Martha Wehrenberg & Stu Sweet Danielle Weiler Luke and Kristen Weinman Wayne & Beth Welter Anneliese Wermuth Jerome & Alice Wermuth Leigh Westergren Robert Westfall Dayzha Wheeler Cheri Whitler Tom Wiers David Wort John & Janet Wyckoff Jon Young Savannah Yuhasz Dennis & Patty Zborowski Scott Zborowski

In Kind AJ Canopy Susan Anderson Angel Auto Insurance Anonymous Michael & Jeanne Baird Barnes & Noble Roger Beans Beef Mart of Valparaiso Ben’s Pretzels Black Label Limo

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Ron Bocian Boy-Conn Printers Brassie Golf Club Build-A-Bear Workshop Burn’em Brewing Charter Fitness Chesapeake Run Golf Course Charles & Mary Chuman Bonnie Coleman Computer Services, Inc. Cooper’s Hawk Crown Brewing Duffy’s Place Duneland Chamber of Commerce Edible Arrangements The Executive Group Family Express Donna & Doug Flanagin Four Fathers Brewery Mark & Susan Freeman Lynda Gravier Green Housewives Bath Company Greenbush Brewing Co. The Grounds Specialists Hamlet Golf Course Larry & Heather Hitz Hoosier Bat Company Robbie Hummel Ironwood Brewing Company Jimmy John’s Dan & Johnine Killeen Lakeshore Landscaping LePeep M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. MacLennan & Bain Insurance Michaels David P. Milligan MonoSol Larry & Paula Moore Off Square Brewing Dan Overmyer

Panera Bread Parea Leslie Plesac Portage 16 IMAX Purdue University Northwest REGIONAL federal credit union Michael Rodenas Running Vines Winery Sand Creek Country Club Sandy Pines Golf Club Brandon Scott Seasons on the Square Serenity Salon & Spa Service League of Northwest Indiana Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Shoe’s Pizzeria Brian & Julie Tegt Texas Corral Third Coast Spice Cafe Tomato Bar Tudor Carpet One Tudor Services Urschel Laboratories Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Valparaiso Country Club Valparaiso Parks & Recreation Walter E Smithe Waxi Taxi Weirs Golf Carts Westchester FOP Zao Island

Heritage Club Lou & Joan Abbett Barth Anderson # Anonymous - 3 # Anonymous Nick & Marcia Arnold # Bruce & Linda Berner

Randy & Kendra Lines David & Barb Lisak Paris Lloyd Kenneth F. Lomas Raylan Long Alexander J. Lowther Charlee MacKeigan John and Deborah Magurean Michael & Suzanne Manakas Rosemary Mansur Mary Manthei Roseann Marchetti Anisa Marte Julia Martin Robert Maciel & Roseanne Martin Tisha Martin & Chris Henderson Jim Martz Katie Masi Florence McDaniel Patrick McGinley Jennifer McIntosh Elkins Ruth Ann McWhorter Hannah Medina Deidra Meeker Charlie Messler Jamie Miller Larry & Connie Miller Mary Miller Jena Mitchell Tom & Cathy Moeller Matthew Mullins Sharon Muraida Linda Murkve Pat & Nancy Murphy Kristen Myers Payam Nasih Jan Needler Eric and Nicole Nelson Eric Nicholson Kent Noorlag Jay O’Brien Troy and Debi Olsen

Cliff & Claudia Olszewski Dan Overmyer Monie & Carol Parker Kevin Pastrick Tanisha Patterson Jackie Ruge & Michael Perkins Leonard & Jane Petrone Fred & Wanda Philips Ruth Phillips Madeline Plesac Jennifer Plys Veronica Polarek Debbie Pope Linda Reyes & Bob Popovich Jacob and Amanda Potter Aris & June Psimos Kevin & Shannon Putchaven David Ralston Ronald Ranta Hannah Raschke Joseph Reeves Gregory and Christine Reinholt Rev. Terry & Sylvia Rhine Dirk Rhinehart Michael Rhoads Michelle Rice Norman & Isabel Richard Brooke Riffell Kathryn Rios Rachel Rivera Mary Ellen Rodriguez-Sullivan Lia Rohde Carol & Jack Ronneau Kenneth and Valerie Rosenblum Adam & Yvonne Roth Emily Roth Dennis Rotz Teresa Rouse Christopher & Christine Runnion

Anonymous Samantha Rushnok Shelby Rushnok Michael & Laura Ryan Joseph & Stephanie Sausele Kurt Schmiegel Arthur & Christene Schneidt Courtney Scholz Erinn Schreiner-Puskala Dean and Connie Schroeder Toni Schroeder Otto Schultz Colleen Seguin Barbara Sexton Armida Sharpin Daniel & Margaret Sherman Stephanie Shorkley Shawn Sims John & Beverly Smiley Lois Smith James Snyder Jeanne Sommer Robin S. Sonntag Katie Spain Katelynn Stanko State Employees Community Campaign R. Lawrence Steele Winston Steiniche Adam & Kimberly Stiener Carrie St.Myers Amanda Svetanoff Bonnie Swarner Virgil Sweet Nathen Swetalla Laura Beth Swiat Beth Szymaszek Hilary Talbert Navada Terry Argie Tripodis Theresa Tucker Peter & Vicki Turek

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Stephanie Coleman Jonathan & Sharon Costas Jessica Cotton Arthur Craig Eric Crofton Janice M. Custer Larry & Jeanne Daly Edward Dartz Karen Davidock Arminta Davis James & Elizabeth Davis Renee Day Courtney Delecki Jane M. Dickey Shawn and Emily Dickt Lance Dietlein Robert Diller Kathryn E. Dimitri Gerald Dixon Jim & Jill Doane Trent & Leah Donat Lou & Priscilla Donkle Miranda Drakos John Dunda Brenda Dutcher Lisa Dyer Lucas Ecklund-Baker Will Edmonds Tabitha Eggers Ryan Elinkowski Mack Elliott Lincoln Ellis Tanya Ellis Rebekah Embry Christa Emerson & Jason Borlick Greg Engels Michael and Gwen Fabert Mark Faiwell Michael Falk Kevin & Kristine Fannin Erik Feldman Tim Fettig Jim Ficken Michelle Fields Kim Fisher

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Beverly & Hubert Fitzgerald John Forristal Christopher Frain Mary Frese Laura Frost Jane Fuller Allan Gabriele Rich & Jill Gardner Lynn Giesler Michelle Gilbertsen Donna Gonzales Julian Gonzales Tyler Goodman Edward Gottschling Derek & Christy Graf Sylvia Graham Karen & Michael Gratson Michael & Sharon Grubb Michael Hackett Caleb Hall Jeff & Ann Hamilton Mary K. Hamilton Curtis and Barbara Hamner Glenn C. Hannah Kyler Hansen Robert & Jenny Harkel Robert F. & Margo M. Hartmann Sally Hatala Desiree Hayden Brad Hendrix Mary Henrichs Chad and Kristin Henson Maria Hernandez Matt & Amanda Herren Bill & Karen Higbie Kaycia Hill David Hinshaw Kevin Hitzeman Doug & Judy Hollar Donna Howell Felicia Hubbard Mark & Paulina Huffman John & Karen Huguenard

Deborah Jacobs Paul & Xenia Jancarich Paul Jankowski Jean Jannasch Sheila Jefferson Monica Jeffrey John & Linda C. Johnson Ronald S. Johnson Ryan Johnson Deedra Johnston Le-Vel Rose Joiner John & Sandy Jones Kathy L. Jones Steve Jovanovic Dan & Sharon Keilman Diane Kellenburger Martin Kerwin Gabrielle Kifer Keith Kirkpatrick Marina Kirova Sharon & James Kish Robert & Judith Kittridge Rob & Sue Klett Kaylan Knutsen Kyle Knutson Kevin Kokjohn James Koselke George & Greta Kramer Amy Krieger Judith Kroeger Dawn Krull Mike & Elizabeth Krutz Jeffrey Kuhn Tim Kulesa John & Linda Kurker Terri Kuss Susan Lambert Karen Land Chuck Lansdowne John Lauer Anonymous Douglas Leicht Drs. Michael & Cindy Leland Dianne Leonetti Steve Letic

Doug & Cynthia Pierce Rugby Popa Ken & Becky Pylipow Dean Sangalis Robert & Kristin Scheub Matthew Shultz Lori Simon Kenard & Sharon Taylor Matt & Emily Tomczak Robert Urycki Michael Wheeler Debra White Jon Wolf Don & Paula Wright Kyle Yelton Stan Ziherl

Individual Mentors Walter & Dorothy Ailes Kristina Balog Jeff Barton Jeffrey Barton Dan Bizik Eva Brady Brien Brown Mary Brush Karl Cender Dale & Lynn Clapp Nancy Clifford Duane J Collins Aaron Blake Cooper Kirk Cordill Suman Das Edward Dixon Herb & Sharon Douglas Mark & Mary Ennes E. Ric & Kaye Frataccia Todd Gray Valeurie Grieger Sandra Hall Stephanie M. Hamilton Jennifer & Adam Hedger Karen L Himmel Bob & Kathy Jacobs James Jeselnick

Beth Johnson Jason Kegebein Amy Leetz John R. Marshall Charles Mooney Larry Murphy Linda Newton James & Jodie Peller David Pruis Alison Quackenbush Brad & Sheryl Robinson Andrew Rudakas Mark & Dawn Ruge Jason Schwerdt Mike & Brenda Sheetz Ed Soliday Scott & Lanie Steinwart Jeffrey & Shawn Strack Dave & Sandra Teal John and Kathleen Walsh Tim & Anne Walsh Mary Wermuth Jonathan Winey Ryan Wright

Individual Friends Carri Ables Chris Allmandinger Amazon Smile Victor and Leah Ames Mary Amm Brandi Anstine Dave & Sandy Armstrong Dr. Jim & Sarah Arnold Charles & Joan Aton Michael & Jeanne Baird Kristen Baker Erica Banks John Barile, Jr. Charles & Shelley Barnett Randy & Jan Bays Brian Beach Steven Beach Lisa Beecher James & Nancy Bell

Vince Benavidez Sam & Shirley Bianco Julie Bieszczat James Blade Benjamin Blohm Paul & Beth Blohm Karah Bogan Lyman Bond Theresa Bondi Joseph & Monica Borkowski Rosanna & Kurt Bowser Mariana Boyle Andy Bozak Andrea Bradford Arthur & Marilyn Branco Wade Breitzke Derrick Bretz & Julie Paulson Bretz Jorge Briceno Barb Brooks Helen Brooks Elizabeth Brown Jane Walsh-Brown & James Brown John and Jo Brugos Kimberley Burns Chad & Michelle Bush Gary Bushue Robert & Sue Cain Michael Cairns Mark Camarena Kelly Campbell Patricia Carlisle Samuel Carlson George & Susan Carter Larry & Linda Casbon Ashley Castillo John & Karen Catchur Senator Ed Charbonneau Joel Charpentier Joe & Mary Ann Claesgens Lawrence & Pamela Claxton Laura Coleman

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Smith Ready Mix Star Music, LLC Tonn & Blank Construction Union Electric Steel Corporation United Way of Greater La Porte County United Way of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey United Way of Lake Area Valparaiso Dolls & Friends Valparaiso Family Dentistry P.C. VFW Post 2511 VFW Post 988 Vouga & Barnes Wells Fargo Advisors Zao Island

Individual Partners Anonymous Mark W. Chamberlain Laura & Todd Elliott Larry & Paula Moore Tim & Shelly Rice Leroy & Sharon Romine

Individual Champions The Contrucci Family Jeff Leetz Leslie Plesac Michael & Sharon Simpson Harley & Jan Snyder Brian & Julie Tegt

Individual Advocates Scott & Elizabeth Allen Barth Anderson

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Anonymous Nick & Marcia Arnold Dawn Bernhardt Chris & Laura Campbell Bonnie Coleman Kris Condon Brandon & Allison Kroft Jim & Jean Lewis Tom & Alison Martin Jerry & Linda Rodenbarger Marvin & Bernadette Simpson Ryan & Dena Smiley Jeff & Debbie Wolf C Joseph Yast

Individual Benefactors Rose Andrie Andrew & Susan Arnold Dale Banghart Scott Bayman Karla Bonfield David Coslov Joe & Jacqueline Feller Dave & Anita Hollenbeck Dan & Pamela Hood Christopher & Maureen Hurst Joseph & Teresa Juarez Dan & Johnine Killeen J. Scott Kleppe Warren & Ruth Larson Chuck & Patty Leer Bruce & Judy Leetz Jon S. Leetz Corbitt Lewis Daniel Marchetti Rene Martin Luke & Raechel Miller Mr. James Cooper and Ms. Debra Martin Sam Raich III Robert Sularski

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Von Tobel George & Kathy Vrabel Analisa & Matthew Warring Chuck Welter Dan & Rebecca Wilburn Alan A. Zurawski

Individual Patrons Anonymous Ron Bocian Gary & Ramona Bretz Georgia Bricker Lucy Bruce-Whitaker Joseph & Teresa Buergler David Butterfield Rolando & Diane Chilian Anna Nichole Corkill Jeffrey Cox Stephen Cuson David DeBoer Luella DeWulf Susan Edmonds Robert E. Espie Mary Ann Feller Lynn Fletcher John Grunewald Sharon Harris Bradly Hendrickson Chris & Jennifer Jones Mark & Jodi Jones Stephen Kellogg Leslie Kiefer Paul & Connie Knauff George Koenig Joey & Teresa Larr Joe & Julie Lauck Michael & Tanya Leetz Denise & William Little Michael & Denise McCready Michael & Debbie Miller Bill & Danielle Oeding

Charitable Matching Gifts Fund Worthington Steel

Corporate Patrons AOC Buffalo Wild Wings Portage Buffalo Wild Wings Valparaiso Caster Maintenance Company CET Incorporated Coastal Valley Water Crowe Horwath LLC Dalton Builders, Inc. Details Dry Cleaning & Laundry Dr. Vegetable, Inc. Duneland Exchange Club Family Dollar - Valparaiso First Merchants Bank HealthLinc Indiana Labor Council Jimmy John’s Kohls - Portage Kohls - Valparaiso Kona Ice of the Dunes Kouder Electric Little Caesar’s Lumenus USA LLC MDMS, Inc. Meijer Meridian Title PK Financial R.B.Smith Co., Inc. Regal Beloit Shive-Hattery, Inc. South Haven Lions Club Teachers Credit Union Union Home Mortgage United Way Metro Chicago United Way of Allegheny County

United Way Suncoast Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis Valpo Nannies

Corporate Friends 1st Source Bank Affinity Granite AMT Computers Ave Towing Brandy’s Lock & Key Shop Brother Masons Calumet Lodge 379 Buchertech Carpenters Union #1005 The Cellular Connection Center Township Trustee Chase Bank Circle “R” Electric City of Valparaiso Commercial Resource Group Country Inn & Suites Davidson Manors Dean’s Tire & Lube, Inc. Delta Theta Tau - Gamma Chapter Delta Theta Tau Sorority Alpha Rho Chapter Design Construction of NWI Duneland Fine Homes E.C. Babilla, Inc. Elegan Customwear Energy Tech Insulations Engravables Faculty Association of District 205 Shelton Fireworks First United Methodist Women Hoosier Fire Equipment IBEW Local 531 Indiana University Northwest

Ironworkers Local 395 IVCI Fund by Erik Froelich James F. Giannini & Associates, LLC Kappa Kappa Kappa Alpha Associates Kappa, Kappa, Kappa Beta Assoc Chapter Kappa, Kappa, Kappa, Zeta Mu Knights of ColumbusOur Lady of Sorrows Council #12149 Kostidis Chiropractic KT-Grant, Inc. LeaderOne Financial Liberty Mutual Foundation Lucrezia Hobart Lumber Merrill Lynch Neal Vending Services New Hope Church of God North Shore Health Center Northwest Indiana Tents & Events Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Ogden Dunes Women’s Club OneHope Foundation Panda Express Valparaiso Paul Sur Buick GMC Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Porter County Master Gardeners Association Porter County Sheriff Department Salvoras Pizza Santini’s Pizza Restaurant Service League of Northwest Indiana

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Corporate Investors ArcelorMittal Art Van Furniture Boys & Girls Clubs of America Family Express John Will Anderson Foundation Porter County Community Foundation State of Indiana United Way of Porter County Urschel Laboratories

Corporate Champions

Blachly, Tabor, Bozik, & Hartman BMO Harris Bank Duneland Education Foundation GE Foundation Geminus Corporation Graycor Greater NWI Association of Realtors (GNIAR) Grieger’s Motor Sales, Inc. Hodges & Davis, P.C. Horizon Bank Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Indiana Arts Commission MacLennan & Bain Insurance Peoples Bank Pepsi-Cola Swartz Retson & Co. Thorgren Tool & Molding Vale Park Animal Hospital Weiss Entities Woodings Industrial

Computer Services, Inc. The Grounds Specialists NIPSCO

Corporate Benefactors

Corporate Partners Kenneth J. Allen Best Buy Centier Bank-Valparaiso Indiana Beverage Lakeside Wealth Management Group M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.

Corporate Ambassadors

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Corporate Advocates

Awards Network BGCPOCO Foundation Fifth Third Bank Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #56 NWI Regional Planning Commission Ozinga Ready Mix Stevens - Engineering Strack & Van Til The Times Media

American Chem Tech Bank of America Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Executive Group Real Estate Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis Club Chesterton Lions Club de Boer Egolf Disposable Productions Douglas, Koeppen & Hurley Duffy’s Place Duneland United

Churches Resale Shop Eagle Services Corp General Insurance Services Inc. Golden Tech Good Hospitality Services Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP Holladay Properties Horses Landscaping Industrial Maintenance Welding & Machining Co., Inc. Kappa Kappa Kappa Epsilon Kappa Kappa Kappa - Iota Chapter Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso 00458 Lake Shore Ford and Mercury Leo’s Bicycle Works Luke Family of Brands Martin Security Systems Metro Recycling MonoSol Porter Regional Hospital Porter Starke Services, Inc. Realty Executives Premier REGIONAL federal credit union Chesterton Porter Rotary Scannell Wealth Management Group Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Shorewood Forest Philanthropic Committee Tomato Bar Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware Westchester FOP William Blair & Company

Financials - Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County *2017 unaudited

Revenue

Non-Government Grants $1,548,000 United Way Allocations $125,477 Government Grants $195,980 Fundraising $568,359 Program & Membership Fees $422,932 Total: $3,262,406 Net Assets: $5,646,550

Expenses Programming $2,039,957 Management/Fundraising $568,359 Total Building/Occupation $422,932 Total: $3,031,248

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The Impact Your Gift Makes.

5,447 registered members

1,208

95%

of members report abstaining from smoking.

Average Daily Attendance

80%

of Valparaiso Club teen members report volunteering at least once monthly.

97%

of Portage members report abstaining from drinking.

89%

of Simatovich Kidstop members report participating in 60 minutes of physical activity 5+ times a week.

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16,401 of after-school snacks served.

Boys & Girls Clubs Lead by Unified Example

*Reprinted (in part) with permission from The Times Media Group Editorial Board.

Natural order dictates not just strength in numbers, but also strength in harnessing those numbers into unified purpose. All Northwest Indiana government bodies and nonprofit organizations must learn this lesson if our Region is to speak with the strongest possible voice from the most advantageous ground.

Central to that lesson is shedding archaic, and frankly imaginary, turf boundaries so we all can realize and unite behind common purpose. Look no further than a recent move by Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana as a distinct lesson in this absolute truth.

Prior to January 1, 2018, the two separate organizations were operating no less than ten Clubs with the admirable charge of enabling children to reach their full potential as productive and responsible citizens. We can think of few other organizations that have been perennially better at propping up and giving civic purpose to youth, particularly in disadvantaged areas, than Boys & Girls Clubs.

Operating apart, however, the two Region sects of this national umbrella group weren’t as strong as they could be – as unified in purpose as the youth they served deserved. Officials of the Porter and Lake county chapters had the foresight to realize this and wisdom and willingness to act.

Continued on page 19 of the Northwest Indiana Annual Report.

Keystone, Creating Future Leaders You may have seen posters in our Clubs referencing Keystone Club fundraisers, but do you know what the program is?

Keystone Club is our most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. Teens conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration and community service.

Many of our Keystone Clubs learn to give back to their community through service projects and fundraisers. Just this year, our Portage Club collected 712 pounds of food for the Portage Food Pantry to help others.

If We Build It, They Will Come Board members promised our Chesterton community that if they built a new Duneland Club, children will come - and coming they are! In April 2017, the newly renovated and expanded Club opened its doors to youth boasting new features and exciting programs. Full of excitement the day it opened, teens settled into their highly modern Teen Center, while other Club members were tasked with fun decisions of what they wanted to do first - visit the Exergaming Studio, play in the new gym, climb the rock wall, or explore the STEM Lab. Scott Zoborowski, the Club’s STEM coordinator said members could not wait to check out the program space.

“Our STEM lab has everything from robotics, chemistry, Lego building stations, and a tower garden all ready for kids to investigate and learn.”

Prior to the Club expansion, approximately 145 kids would visit daily. By 2017 year-end, the Club was averaging 270 to 300 kids per day.

This number is still growing. “The investment our community put into this Club is nothing short of amazing. And the best part of our new Club, it’s all for kids!” states Ryan Smiley, president and CEO. Schedule a Club tour today by calling 219.881.1060 x 418 or visiting bgcgreaternwi.org.

Our Leaders Board of Directors Chair Michael Simpson Vice Chair Christopher Campbell Immediate Past Chair Larry Moore Secretary/Treasurer Todd Elliott

Board Members Nick Arnold Bonnie C. Coleman Kris Condon David L. Hollenbeck Daniel M. Killeen Jeff Leetz Dana Neer Dan Marchetti Renee Martin

Larry Moore Leslie Plesac Timothy D. Rice Brian R. Tegt George S. Vrabel Analisa Warring Jeffrey Wolf Kyle Yelton

Administrative Staff Ryan Smiley President

Kristin Scheub Dir. of Human Resources

Mark Jones Dir. of Operations

Beth Claxton Office Manager

Alison Martin Dir. of Resource Development

Stephanie Hamilton Events & Marketing Manager

Professionals Advancing Local Success (PALS) Brandi Anstine Ben Blohm Wade Breitzke Shawn Dickt Lynn Fletcher Matt Herren

John Lauer Kim Peil Jason Schwerdt Nathan Swetalla Ryan Wright

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“As an Alumni of the Clubs and now a business man with a family, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back to an organization changing lives of youth in our communities.”

- Matt Herren, Professionals Advancing Local Success (PALS) Member

A Letter from Our Leaders Boys & Girls Clubs favorite engagement is to invite people to witness, firsthand, the “magic” behind our Blue Club Doors. This magic absolutely permeated every aspect of our organization transforming our 2017 year into one of the best in our history. Our Clubs truly are a place for children and teens to become whatever they choose to be because every single one of our members deserves the opportunity to a GREAT Future.

Through the dedication and generosity of our professional staff, donors, volunteers and Board, our Clubs continue to provide an environment where every child is respected, listened to, and motivated creating their own personal journey toward success. As we invited others to witness our Club “magic,” those closest to us really took pause looking into our organizational accomplishments. What we saw was not only the building of GREAT Futures for our youth, but for our Clubs as well – ensuring the success of kids now and long into the future. So what did 2017 bring?

• 1,200 youth and teens visiting our Clubs daily!

• A renewed commitment to our members having a memorable Club experience by implementing the Youth Program Quality Assessment Initiative whereby our youth development professionals are assessing and improving their programs consistently.

• A brand new Club for the Chesterton community that serves as a forward-thinking, relevant, and replicable facility that other Clubs across the nation are now modeling.

While these accomplishments are something to really smile about, the most significant transformation was when our Board decided to break barriers, focus on kids, and expand our reach. The decision to merge Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County with our counterpart in Lake County truly defined our mission with greater impact. The decision was made in the best interest of all kids. We cannot be more proud of our Board for taking this bold step, our volunteers for embracing and sharing the message, and our investors who recommitted their support for our most valuable asset – our youth.

Michael Simpson Ryan Smiley Board Chair President and CEO 3

“Since the first day I went to the Club, I felt a sense of belonging and security.�

- Will, Valparaiso Club, age 16

20 Annual 17 Report