Madison FY23 Impact Report

FY23 Impact Report “What I admire most about the Club is the effort they put into ensuring that the members are having as much fun as possible while also learning valuable lessons.”

– Bianca C., 2023 Youth of the Year Ambassador, Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Bianca’s depiction of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club couldn’t ring truer. As a long-time member of the Murphy Clubhouse, she experienced that it’s our staff’s purpose to make members genuinely enjoy their time at the Club. From that place of peace, safety, and belonging, our youth’s learning and growth are unlimited. For Madison, 2023 represents another year marked by strong connections, forward-thinking programming, and a holistic approach to nurturing our members’ talents, creativity, and aspirations.

Madison continued doing what we do best: building relationships. We supported and guided members to develop good character and citizenship, live healthy lives, and be academically ready. In this annual Impact Report for stakeholders, we excitedly share outcome highlights for our Fiscal Year 2023 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023).

Thanks to our trusted partners and unwavering support, our Clubs continued to be a transformative force in our members’ lives. Our partners played a significant role in our daily operations, assisting those on their journey to adulthood. Together, we taught our kids essential life skills, emphasizing open dialogue, self-reflection, and peer connections. We’re immensely grateful and look forward to continuing our work together.

THE NEED IN OUR COMMUNITIES: NOW MORE THAN EVER Kids at Madison shine with boundless qualities: creativity, intelligence, compassion, and courage. Yet they face challenges that would test even the strongest and most resilient adults. Untapped youth confront formidable obstacles due to deeply ingrained and enduring societal issues. The legacy of systemic racism, economic disparities, and unequal access to quality education and healthcare disproportionately affect individuals from underserved communities, impeding their opportunities for growth and success. These challenges often manifest in higher poverty rates, limited access to resources, and a greater likelihood of encountering discrimination. Despite these obstacles, many youth exhibit remarkable resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity, showcasing the need for collective efforts to address these deeply rooted inequities and create a more just and inclusive future.

Madison programs operate at six sites in New York City’s most under-resourced neighborhoods in the South Bronx, North Central Harlem, and Brooklyn, leveling the playing field and filling in the gaps by offering meaningful out-of-school time. Our members are brave young people from mostly Black and Brown communities; 52% identify as Black/African American, 28% as Hispanic/Latinx, 6% as Hawaiian or Pacific 1

Islander, and 5% as multiracial. For many Madison members, their Clubhouse is a home-away-from-home.

It’s a place that feels safe, supportive, and stable — a space filled with people who encourage them and care for them. More than any particular set of bricks or rooms, this extended family makes Madison Clubhouses unique.

Recent research from the Furman Center (2023) highlights the persistent socioeconomic disparities in our Clubs’ neighborhoods, where over a third of the children live below the poverty level1. Low percentages of students perform at or above grade level in English and math; on average, one-third of individuals over 25 lack a high school diploma. More than half of our members live in single-parent households, and all members qualify for free or reduced-price lunches – indicating annual family income below $39,000 and $55,500 for a family of four, respectively. Many Madison members are first-generation Americans and firstgeneration college students, and Madison commits to providing opportunities for all youth, encouraging them to be confident and thrive. The Bronx, Harlem, and Brooklyn have strong cultural heritage and are among the world’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods known for community-driven initiatives. Madison teaches members to feel proud, encouraging them to give back to their communities while providing opportunities to discover the world.

MADISON’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE AND CURRENT STRATEGY Madison’s vision is to ensure that every Club member is academically ready and equipped with leadership skills and good health. Our youth development programs are strategically organized around Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. Central to our mission, Madison firmly believes in the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty. We are dedicated to provide our youth with abundant opportunities for high-quality, outcomes-driven programming—whether in sports, the arts, or recreational activities—that support members’ academic growth and sets them on a positive trajectory.

Based on more than a century of youth development experience, Madison knows that youth have the optimal Club experience when they feel safe, have fun, receive support and recognition from caring adults who set expectations for them, and have a sense of belonging. These elements underlie everything we do and guide any related programming or staffing decision. Youth are the experts of their own experiences, and our staff have tremendous capacity for listening and building trusting relationships with members, continuously incorporating youth voices into more effective programming.

2023 MADISON MEMBERSHIP In 2023, we celebrate our membership with 3,060 members, including 463 Explorers, 422 Juniors, and 2,175 teens enrolled at Madison.

We additionally served 73 young adults with our College Success Initiative and 549 youth during our Summer Youth Employment Program.

1. NYU Furman Center’s CoreData.nyc (2023). For the Bronx and navigation toward other neighborhoods visit https:// furmancenter.org/neighborhoods/view/the-bronx [last visited 10.26.2023].

2

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: ACADEMIC SUCCESS Madison’s goal is for members to graduate high school with a plan for their future. Our strategy is to provide after-school educational enrichment throughout the school year and during the summer, focusing on homework assistance and personalized support. Madison’s Explorers Academy and Juniors Academy are committed to fostering a love for learning, guiding our members through elementary and middle school, and ensuring their dedication to high school graduation while perceiving college as an attainable and enticing goal. STEM curriculum is a fundamental part of the Juniors Academy. Our Teen Campus is focused on college and career readiness, investing in talent, and developing well-thought-through opinions and an authentic voice.

MADISON’S IMPACT Effective Youth Development: Member Experience Almost 400 members participated in the 2023 National Youth Outcome Initiate (NYOI) Survey, annually administered by the National Boys & Girls Club of America. Highlights include: ‣ Supportive relationships and adult connections: 96% feel that adults at the Club care about them, and 93% think that adults listen and understand what they say. ‣ Sense of belonging: 92% enjoy coming to the Club, and 93% said people accept them for who they are. ‣ Feeling recognized, encouraged, and competent: 94% feel encouraged by adults at their Club when they make positive choices, and 89% believe their ideas count at the Club. ‣ High expectations and opportunities: 94% think the adults at their Club believe they will be a success, and 91% feel they get to explore new things. *Concepts in italics signal conditions central to youth development impact; part of BGCA’s Theory of Change: Formula for Impact.

MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS ‣ 93% expect to graduate high school. ‣ 80% mainly score A’s & B’s.

Eleventh and twelfth graders only: ‣ 100% know what education or training they need for their desired career. ‣ 96% know what costs to expect for the education or training they will need after high school. ‣ 94% of seniors applied for post-secondary education.

3

Explorers Academy (ages 6 to 9) and Juniors Academy (10 to 12). Madison’s aim is that Explorers and Juniors demonstrate academic success: ‣ 136 Explorers and 109 Juniors participated at least three times per week. ‣ 96% of Explorers and 92% of Juniors met or exceeded school attendance averages. ‣ 95% of Explorers and 95% of Juniors were promoted to the next grade level. ‣ 81% of Explorers and 73% of Juniors met or exceeded grade-level standards in Reading.

Project Graduate Program (ages 13 to 18). Madison aims for Teens to achieve their academic potential, from successful middle and high school graduation to pursuing higher education opportunities. They are financially literate and have a career plan: ‣ 50 Teens participated. ‣ 94% learned how to save for goals and budget effectively in college. ‣ 88% learned about the different options for saving and planning for college.

‣ 75% of Explorers and 84% of Juniors met or exceeded grade-level standards in Math.

‣ 88% gained more excellent knowledge of possible careers and the role of education and training in future success.

Teen Campus (ages 13 to 18). Madison’s Teen Campus meets the specific needs of teenagers, empowering them through their formative years.

Madison’s goal is for teens to demonstrate academic success; seniors graduate high school with a plan for the future:

College Success Initiative (ages 18-24). Our goal is that Madison alums persist throughout college and navigate the challenges of higher education successfully, developing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management.

‣ 223 Teens participated at least three times per week in various Teen Campus program components, of which 113 high school intermediates and 87 seniors. ‣ 100% applied to higher education institutions. ‣ 83% were promoted to the next grade level on time.

‣ 73 alumni participated. ‣ Young adults persisted in college at a rate of 96% and were on track to graduate within six years of enrollment.

Workforce Development (ages 13-24). Madison’s Workforce Development programs focus on career readiness using the Work-Learn-Grow and Career Launch curriculum and partnering with the New York City Department for Youth and Community Development. Madison aims for Teens to explore careers, develop hands-on skills, and have meaningful work-based learning experiences. ‣ 119 Teens participated in Workforce Development workshops throughout the school year. ‣ 549 Teens and young adults participated in the Summer Youth Employment program in July and August.

4

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: GOOD CHARACTER & CITIZENSHIP Madison aims for members to become engaged citizens, be involved in their community, and model strong character. At Madison, our Good Character & Citizenship initiatives instill values, empower personal growth, and nurture our youth to become responsible community members. Our programs inspire a profound sense of responsibility, respect for others, and effective conflict-resolution strategies. Activities include engaging in community service projects like clothing and book drives, fundraising walks, marches for peace, visiting senior citizens, and facilitating opportunities for older youth to mentor their younger peers.

MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS ‣ 90% want to help when they see someone having a problem ‣ 88% feel they can stand up for what they think is right, even if their friends disagree. ‣ 83% have done things to help people in their community. ‣ 82% believe they can make a difference in their community.

Positive Action (ages 6-10). We aim for Explorers to learn how to positively influence their Club and community and participate in the democratic process. ‣ 193 sessions were offered. ‣ 54% of youth attended at least half of all the sessions.

SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood (ages 10-12 and 13-18). Our goal is that members demonstrate positive behavior and make healthy decisions. ‣ 104 Juniors and 150 Teens participated. ‣ 83% attended 75% of curriculum sessions.

Youth of the Year (ages 13 - 18). Madison aims for Teens to positively influence their Club and community, be role models to younger members, and become inspirational speakers, sharing their journeys. ‣ 18 members participated. ‣ 100% participated in a service project to benefit the club and community. ‣ 100% conducted ten or more service/volunteer hours.

Listening Circles (ages 13-18). Madison aims for Teens to learn to express themselves effectively, build advocacy skills, and feel empowered. ‣ 140 members participated. ‣ 93% feel accepted for who they are at the Club. ‣ 88% feel listened to at the Club.

5

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Madison aims for members to adopt a healthy diet, practice healthy lifestyle choices, and make a lifelong commitment to fitness. Madison’s commitment to our members extends to their physical and emotional well-being. We recognize the formative nature of habits in early life and aim to instill self-care, good nutrition, exercise, and self-esteem. Madison takes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing mental health and nourishment through recreational and arts programs, essential for our mission.

MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS ‣ 94% of Teens abstained from lifetime cigarette use and 83% from lifetime alcohol use. ‣ 75% reported being physically active for at least 60 minutes three days/week. ‣ 67% ate two+ fruits and 65% two+ vegetables per day

Triple Play: Physical Fitness, Nutrition, and Social Recreation (Explorers, Juniors and Teens). Goal: Members develop a sense of teamwork, athletic abilities, and a healthy lifestyle: ‣ 351 Explorers, 332 Juniors, and 1,215 Teens participated. ‣ 63% participated in regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, three times per week for youth (513 years old) and once a week for teens (14 and older).

Youth Empowerment Program (ages 14-18). Goal: Members understand how to live healthy lives and contribute to the well-being of their community: ‣ 59 members participated. ‣ 50% participated in at least two Positive Alternative activities, demonstrating healthy lifestyles and positive decision-making. ‣ 50% completed a community service project. ‣ 45% increased their knowledge of risks associated with drug and alcohol use.

SUMMER PROGRAM: CLUB FUN Summer should be a relaxing time for all kids, playing sports, exploring nature, and doing recreational activities that keep minds active and skill sets growing. For many families, Madison plays a crucial role in the summer, where we open our doors from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, five days a week for seven weeks. We combine festive activities with inquisitive exercises, reading and listening initiatives, and peer-to-peer learning.

During the summer, 289 youth ages 5-12 attended our Club Fun program, of which 188 were Explorers and 101 Juniors.

6

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Talent and Creativity in the Arts In 2023, Madison provided abundant opportunities for youth to explore the arts, from music and dance to fine arts and photography. These initiatives thrived through partnerships with Notes for Notes and the Misty Copeland Foundation, fostering vibrant artistic talent in music and ballet. Madison’s Notes for Notes music studios witnessed remarkable creativity, motivation, and charisma in its members. Throughout the year, the production staff supported participants, helping them create original songs, master instruments and engage in podcast production and talent showcases. The Clubs also hosted events and performances, with Madison’s street dance group, Destined 2 Dance, earning a spot at Radio City Music Hall through the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Additionally, our Elbaum Family Clubhouse for Teens in Brooklyn provided its first summer programming for high school juniors, offering courses in photography, podcasting, sculpture, and poetry. They also provided mentoring and guidance to high school seniors, benefiting youth as they prepared for the upcoming school year.

Food Distribution Recognizing persistent food hardship in our communities, Madison continued to organize food pantry events in our Clubhouses. We hosted over 100 food drives, distributed thousands of bags of food (nearly 200,000 pounds), and supported hundreds of families from Madison and our wider community. We partnered with Food Bank New York and City Harvest to provide families with fresh produce and healthy pantry items at least once a month at each Club.

EVALUATION Madison Square Boys & Girls Club aims to reflect on and improve our practices continuously. With our outcomes-based approach, we set annual goals for our programs, including participation and specific outcomes. We track youth participation and program completion and systematically register data using report cards, transcripts, grades, and high school completion. Our staff also monitors college acceptance letters and Clubhouse attendance and conducts surveys and focus groups for evaluation. We participate in the National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI) to measure program success and member and staff experiences. This rigorous evaluation process informs our ongoing efforts to improve our organization and services to young people.

7

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT “The bonds I have established here will last a lifetime. It feels like a family, a brotherhood, a safe haven.”

– Prince Elijah W.G., 2023 Youth of the Year Ambassador, Pinkerton Clubhouse

2023 marks an impactful year for Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, emphasizing strong connections, innovative programming, and holistic youth development. Personal connection and support matter, and we believe that the relationships our members make are what make the Club environment a second home and the community a family. Our sincerest gratitude is extended to our partners for their unwavering dedication to our mission and generous support that is crucial to the sustainability of our programs. Together, we provide a transformative, supportive space for all members to flourish.

8