BETTER, BIGGER, BOLDER
AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
As we go about our daily lives, we don’t have to look far to see that we face many challenges as a society. I believe that there’s never been a more difficult time to be a parent or a kid, which is why it’s more important than ever to uplift our youth and families. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, along with our National Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we are striving to become better, bigger, and bolder in meeting the increasing needs of our youth and building Future Ready Clubs, Club Kids, and communities.
With 10 Clubs across Porter and Lake County and an additional 11 Kidstop Sites, we go where kids need us, and our kids’ needs are growing. Some sobering statistics illustrate the challenges today’s youth are facing. One in five kids throughout the country don’t have a safe place to go after school. One in ten Indiana high school students have attempted suicide, and four out of ten students have thought about it. In 2021, forty-seven percent of our nation’s kids reported feeling sad or depressed for more than two weeks.
We know, however, that our Clubs provide HOPE and empower good citizenship. In a recent Boys & Girls Clubs of America alumni survey, fifty-four percent of former Club Kids surveyed reported that their Club saved their lives. Ninety-four percent of our Club Kids report feeling safe at the Club. Ninety-two percent of our Club Kids report wanting to help others, and eighty-two percent of our Club Kids report feeling hopeful and confident that they can make a positive difference in their community. We have real impact!
What we do every day is impactful because our Clubs are dedicated to developing positive relationships with our kids beyond the school day, filling gaps and providing support and structure during times that our kids may not have structured guidance. We really get to know our kids, their families, and their circumstances. As a result, we hear the stories of the struggles that they encounter, whether it’s with their family, friends, or at school. We’re by their side to support them through the hurdles that come their way, compassionately building their protective factors as part of their regular ongoing support system.
Personally, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact we’ve had in the lives of our members: from the older gentleman in a local service leadership club who stood up and told me that his Club saved his life, to the Army Lieutenant Colonel who publicly credits current Duneland Athletic Director Ron Ranta for his tremendous influence in his life, to the countless members who’ve come back to tour their clubs and assist with capital campaigns. They have all had one thing in common: when they walk through our blue doors, they feel like they’re returning home.
I strongly believe it is our duty to do everything we can to help our youth. With powerful partners and friends like you, that’s what we at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana are committed to doing. We thank you for your continued support and appreciate the difference you make in our communities. We look forward to serving our children alongside you for generations to come.
As Marian Wright Edelman said, “The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.” Investing in our kids across the region will build a safer, stronger Northwest Indiana culture, citizenship, and workforce for all of us. Join us in making Northwest Indiana a Future-Ready Region! Want to know more? Give us a call or shoot us an email.
Sincerely,
To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
CLUB NEWS
SOUTH HAVEN RENOVATION
A neighborhood with a Valparaiso address, served by county utilities and Portage schools, South Haven is a small community with a unique identity. South Haven Boys & Girls Club acts as its cornerstone. Located on Long Run Road, within walking distance of South Haven Elementary and less than a mile from Paul Saylor Elementary, it’s an essential safe haven for kids and parents.
Since 1982, the Club has served as the go-to spot for kids. But 40 years have come and gone, and the needs of kids have changed. We began renovations in the summer of 2023 with the intent to open to members at the start of school in August of 2024. The renovated Club will feature a dedicated teen space, two large gamesrooms, a secured parent vestibule, additional storage space, art room, lounge, STEM room and education rooms. We are excited to give South Haven Club members and the neighborhood the Club they have long deserved.
Scan to make a capital campaign gift.
BE A PART OF OUR NEW BUILDING AND LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA PARTNERSHIP
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the nation’s leading youth-serving organization, providing millions of kids with opportunities for a great future. Clubs give kids safe places, caring mentors, and life-shaping programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership skills. We are one of many independent BGC organizations funded locally.
More than 5,200 individual Clubs open their doors each day across the nation, on Native lands, and on military installations worldwide. In a typical year, Clubs serve 3.3 million young people through membership and community outreach. Together, we are doing whatever it takes to build great futures.
GET READY! SUPPORT YOUR CLUBHOUSE HERO!
Return to Learn Annual Match Campaign
Sponsored by University of Chicago Medicine
Get ready to show support of your Clubhouse Hero as they compete to raise the most funds for our Clubs. This annual giving campaign will support all ten Clubs across our organization from September 12-26.
DID YOU KNOW?
1 in 6
Kids live in poverty.
261,230 Free meals were served to our Club kids in 2023.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?
Taco Bell Foundation - Lyricism 101
Lyricism 101 is designed to cultivate and amplify the voices of Club kids in our music studios. This program is an opportunity for 12-18 year old Club kids to receive coaching from our staff and musical experts while building skills in literacy, musical collaboration, performance, and rhyme creation.
Panda Cares Center of Hope
The Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, has partnered nationally with BGCA to foster academic success among Club members. Our Hammond Club received a $45,000 grant to refresh, renovate, or update a multi-functional academically focused space.
Best Buy Teen Tech Center
Thanks to the support of Best Buy and the Damien & Katy Harmon Foundation, our Gary Club is home to the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, a creative, youth-centered community hub where teens can engage with the latest technology, learn real-world career skills, and interact with safe and supportive mentors. From a recent survey, 96% of Teen Tech Center youth shared that they are more optimistic about their future because of the program. Along with partners from Microsoft, Best Buy is committed to building bright futures.
