2016 Mid-Year Report: Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County by Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County

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Photo by Jon Kull

To our Skagit community, As an organization, we work to ensure that all of our stakeholders are informed about Club operations regularly and understand how much we appreciate and value your contributions to our success. Our semi-annual report is intended to capture highlights of the first half of the year, and provide you with a snapshot of the progress of our Clubs in implementing our mission: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. A personal highlight for me, during my initial term as President of the Board of Directors, was attending the 110th National Conference of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We know we have a strong Club organization here in Skagit County, and this was reinforced as I attended workshops and sessions, realizing that we already implement so many of the best practices offered. However, in seeing how the 400 Club organizations from throughout the country and on military bases around the world come together, so determined to fulfill the Club mission, I gained a deeper appreciation for the work our professionally trained staff in Skagit County accomplish, as well as better understanding as to the tremendous scope of the Boys & Girls Club movement, impacting more than 4million youth in 2015. Thank you for your continued support of our Clubs, and the kids and families we serve; the need is great, and only through that ongoing support are we able to make the difference we do. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been recently, I encourage you to visit your local Clubhouse and have your own moment of realization - seeing the difference your support provides in a very personal way. Sincerely, Mark Lawrence Board President Simply Yards Landscape & Design

Dear Friends, Twice a year we are privileged to be able to share with you a deeper look at the operations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. Thanks to our partnership with K&H Integrated Print Solutions, and the magic of Tammy Findlay, our Director of Marketing & Stewardship, we can produce these sophisticated publications at no cost. There is a lot that goes into fulfilling our mission - to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We have had much success in the last two years, and it has been celebrated time and again. However, we are not without our challenges, and this year, we face one of our largest, manifest through changes in staff capacities because of updated policies from the Department of Labor. These new regulations will impact many, in both the non-, and for-profit sectors. We have worked hard to stay ahead of the issue, but changes in our operations will be necessary, which you can read about in this semi-annual report. As an organization, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County takes very seriously itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; responsibility to constituents and stakeholders to be good stewards of community investment, and appreciate the opportunity to inform you of our activities working to change the lives of more than 1,600 youth in Skagit County. There is a significant need that remains, and with your support, we will endeavor to ultimately reach each and every child in Skagit County who can benefit from the opportunities Clubs provide through our unique, and time-tested service model. Yours in service,

Ron McHenry Executive Director

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CREDITS:

Cover photo: FoxLight Photography DONATED PHOTOGRAPHY Azota Photography FoxLight Photography Jon Kull

Serving the Children of the World

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ron McHenry Shane Collins Tammy Findlay Ian Faley John Garman Bobby Castro Angela Freeberg Mark Lawrence ART DIRECTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Tammy Findlay

PRINTING & MAILING Donated by K&H Printing Solutions

Proudly Supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County

Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement

ANNETTE BOOTH • 360-848-0939 4 annettebooth@allstate.com • 130 S 15TH STE 102 MOUNT VERNON

THANK YOU TO OUR MANY EVENT SPONSORS 2016 YOUTH OF THE YEAR: • Dinner with Friends Keystone $5000 Hendricks Family Foundation • YOY Sponsor $500 Trident Seafood Eaglemont Golf Course

2016 SEDRO-WOOLLEY WINTER FUNDRAISER: • Royal Title Sponsor – $2500 Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford • Noble Sponsor – $1500 Carl’s Towing • Grand Sponsor – $1000 Snelson Co. • Silver Sponsor – $500 KS Excavating • Table Sponsors Christine Johnson Truck Vault Mike Crawford Les Schwab

2016 ANNUAL BREAKFAST: • Title Sponsor -$7500 K&H Integrated Print Solutions • Audio/Video Sponsor – $3000 Allstate Foundation • Torch Sponsors – $2,500 Skagit Transportation • Table Sponsors – $1000 Skagit Bank R. W. Baird & Co. – Carter & Ryberg Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project Chad Fisher Construction Mike Gubrud – Farmer’s Insurance Williams & Nulle, PLLC Bayside Specialties Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance Skagit Aggregates Sims Honda

2016 ANACORTES BREAKFAST: • Title Sponsor $2000 Kiwanis Sunrisers Anacortes • Event Sponsors $1000 Strandberg Construction

IN THIS REPORT... THANK YOU EVENT SPONSORS ...5, 7, 11, 13 BOARD PRESIDENT LETTER

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LETTER

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LEARN: CAREERL AUNCH ...6-7 KEYS FOR KIDS SHELL STEM CAMP

...8-9 ...10-11

RESTRICTED VS. UNRESTRICTED GIFTS ...12-13 THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

...13

#DISCOVERSUMMER ...14-15 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CHANGES ...16-17 MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ...18-20 VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT

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LIVE: BROOKS RUNNING CLUB ...22-23 LEAD: YOUTH OF THE MONTH

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BY THE NUMBERS: MEALS

...25

REFLECTIONS: 2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

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C AREERL AUNCH

t the Clubs, there is a strong belief in creating a space where youth have the freedom and drive to imagine the possibilities for their future. CareerLaunch is a Club program that encourages Club members ages 13 to 18 to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, and make sound educational decisions. There are multiple facets to the program. Through online resources provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, teens can learn about preparing a resumé, how to dress & conduct themselves in an interview, search for jobs, and read about other teens and their CareerLaunch stories. Volunteers and Club staff also have access to a facilitator guide with curriculums and best practices. Volunteers and Staff mentor Club members individually and in small groups, providing opportunities for job shadowing and training. Frequent field trips to job facilities, and college tours, provide youth with a wealth of insight. A favorite part of the program involves visits from professionals in the field, who visit the Clubs and share with youth about their career path journey. At the Mount Vernon Club, youth were visited by professional driver, Justin Youngquist, who is just 20 years old and has been racing Sprint Cars since he was 9 years old. The Sedro-Woolley Club is fortunate to have a teen-dedicated building, and has a strong teen presence with nearly 50 in daily attendance. They are fortunate to see regular visits from professionals in a wide range of career fields. Timothy Rowe, a Physical Therapist Assistant who works for Independence Rehab in Burien, WA talked to the “Woolley Teens” about different Physical Therapy techniques, what an average day at work is like for him, and how he decided on his career path. He has worked as a PTA for two years and was a CNA for 4 years prior to that.

P R O G R A M S : Academic Success

AME1 (First Class Petty Officer) Laura Swenson spoke about the many factors that lead her to join the Navy. She shared stories about her adventures traveling the world and how being in the Navy has helped her grow as a person.

Club members are introduced to as many quality options as possible, putting them in a position to match their natural talents and passions to a career that will best serve them and their community. Colin Bean is a Registered Nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital in the Progressive and Critical Care Unit. He told the teens about his journey in school from Skagit Valley College to Western Washington University, and finally, to the Denver School of Nursing. He explained that moments on the job can be very difficult, yet even more so, rewarding. Officer Katie Wilson of the Sedro-Woolley Police Department talked about the challenges and rewards that come with being a law enforcement officer. She also shared what led her to choose to become a police officer and then showed off some of the tools of the trade. Despite repeated requests, none of the teens were tazed. In August, teens from all Club locations in Skagit County will be combining to embark on a major college tour. They will depart Monday, August 15th, and over the next five days, visit Central Washington University, Perry Technical Institute, Boise State University, Eastern Idaho Technical College, Montana State University, the University of Montana, and finally, Eastern Washington University. The wide range of student population sizes, settings, and specialties, will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the choices available to them for post-secondary education, including non-traditional pathways of study. Club members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County are introduced to as many quality options as possible, putting them in a position to match their natural talents and passions to a career that will best serve them and their community. All of these facets of the CareerLaunch program are designed to open the eyes of youth and generate excitement about their future possibilities, giving them an added advantage when choosing their own career path. •••

Thank you Sponsors cont.

Ris Insurance Services Cap Sante Inn • Table Sponsors $500 Curt Oppel - John L. Scott Anacortes Community Health Council Anacortes Police Department Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project The Walk In Clinic at Island Hospital Alice Bohnker Insurance John L. Scott Re/Max Representative Jeff Morris

2016 KEYS FOR KIDS: • Grand Piano Title Sponsor $8,800 Tesoro Corp • Table Sponsors $1000 Cascade Natural Gas Columbia Bank IMAC General Construction Reese Alexandria Homes LLC • Major Chord Sponsor $500 Edward Jones Foothills Toyota Hampton Inn Heritage Bank

2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT: • Title Sponsor $5000 Blade Chevrolet • Dinner Sponsor $3000 Judd & Black Appliance • Lunch Sponsor $2500 Bayside Specialties • Contest Sponsor $1000 Heritage Bank Mike Gubrud – Farmers Insurance Skagit Transportation Swinomish Casino • Snack Cart Sponsor $750 CPI Plumbing/SaviBank Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project • Hole Sponsor $750 ServiceMaster Wells Fargo • Green/Tee Sponsor $400 Central Moving & Storage Conover Insurance Cook Road Shell LEARN LIVE LEAD

“It was a great event supported by a wonderful community who continues to make sure that we serve the kids that need us the most. Raising over $40,000 for both nights, it was a testament to our community’s support and to how delightful the Keys for Kids event is.” ~Mark Lawrence, Board President

KEYS FOR KIDS

Photo by FoxLight

n June 24th and 25th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County held their Fundraiser, Keys for Kids for the second year in a row, this time adding a second evening. Featuring a dueling piano show performed by Kirk Garrett and Rich Wyman, of Killer Keyz, the event took place at La Conner Flats where the flowers and gardens were in full bloom, and the atmosphere was perfect for an evening outdoors. Each evening opened with a social hour and an opportunity for guests to play minute-to-win-it games for a chance at raffle prizes. Some were embracing the competition as friends cheered them on, laughing as they raced to unwrap a candy bar with oven mitts on. Many enjoyed the photo booth with wacky props on hand, and others were happy to relax under the big tent with selections from Thurston Wolfe Wines and Boundary Bay Brewery. A lovely dinner was served by Avenue Catering, as guests got the opportunity to visit with friends and make new acquaintances. Kirk and Rich got everyone out of their seats early, laughing and clapping, as they captured someone who was not so keen to be volunteered, to demonstrate a choreographed version of “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” by Three Dog Night. They were a good sport, though, and inspired everyone get energized for a night of fun. The dueling piano duo did a tremendous job of engaging the audience and encouraging guests to outbid song choices, and each other. During the show, guests had the opportunity to hear their song by placing a bid, with highest bid on songs played first. Anyone could stop the song playing by outmatching the bid by a dollar. On Friday evening, “Uptown Funk,” by Bruno Mars brought people to the dance floor, vying for their tempo and song, while 12 Vari-

ations of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” brought ovations from the audience. On Saturday, the hotly contested “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, brought angst as half of the room loved country and the other half absolutely hated it. In the end country won out with the most bids, a dance floor take over, and a boisterous sing along. Jazzelle Elias, Skagit County’s 2015 Youth of the Year, gave a compelling speech on how the Club changed her life when she needed it most, and other Club members followed her lead, learning how to speak confidently in front of a crowd. Representatives from Tesoro took a moment to confirm their commitment to fund STEM programs for the Clubs, commented on their belief that the Clubs are a very sound investment, and celebrated the singular impact the Clubs have in serving youth in the community. “It was a great event supported by a wonderful community who continues to make sure that we serve the kids that need us the most.” said Mark Lawrence, Board President for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. “Raising over $40,000 for both nights, it was a testament to our community’s support and to how delightful the Keys for Kids event is.” Many fantastic photos from the event can be found on the Club’s Flickr album. Just visit skagitclubs.org, click on News & Events and follow the link from the menu on the right. Those interested in attending next year can also use the form under the same menu to RSVP for 2017. Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County would like to thank those people and businesses who operated behind the scenes and played a part in the event’s success. They are especially grateful to Grand Piano Title Sponsor, Tesoro, and all the sponsors and attendees that invested in Keys for Kids to support youth. •••

SHELL STEM CAMP

ummer 2016 at the Boys & Girls Clubs means a summer full of discovery. For the first time, the Clubs have offered a week long STEM Camp at each site, called Discover Motion. The theme of this Camp helps focus membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention, while they spend the week discovering, exploring, and experimenting with the various aspects of physics as it relates to movement. This opportunity was made possible through a grant from Shell Puget Sound Refinery, as means to both grow budding young scientists for the future, and provide Boys & Girls Club members with a unique summer experience. Beginning at the Anacortes Club, a corps of seven Club members began their exploration by building wheeled vehicles and testing them on a ramp. They discovered quickly the importance that symmetry plays in their designs in order to keep their vehicles on the ramp, balanced, as well as stabilizing the free moving parts so that their vehicles could reach their top speeds.

Extra points were given for style, function, and mechanical complexity. On the second day of STEM Camp, Club members were visited by a team of Shell Puget Sound Refinery employees, that consisted of engineers, scientists, and mechanics. Club members were engaged in discussions about the refinery, and had the opportunity to explore a functioning mini refinery that demonstrated how the engineers, scientists, and mechanics all work together to turn crude oil (black sludge) into usable products like gasoline, asphalt, plastics, and fertilizer. The Shell employees were more than happy to share about their areas of expertise and the colleges and universities where they could pursue similar academics, in order to prepare them for future careers in science. Continuing their adventures through motion, Club members worked through the process of researching and designing a simple machine in the form of a crane arm. Utilizing the tech lab, members researched cranes to develop their own designs. Then they went to work discovering

D I S C O V E R S U M M E R : DiscoverMotion

the best ways to piece together their machines. The challenge for this project was finding a way to incorporate a hydraulic lever component to it. Emphasis was spent on matching their design to their final product and testing its functionality. Likely the most perplexing project, Club members spent the final day discovering magnetism and creating their own mag-lev vehicles. Members were familiar with using magnets to attract magnetic charges, but the challenge with this project was in manipulating the magnets’ charges to repel one another as a means to create levitation and eliminate friction, in order to build an innovative vehicle. Discover Motion STEM Camp is currently in session at the Mount Vernon Club, and will be visiting the Sedro-Woolley Club, soon, as well as a special session in Burlington, at the Burlington School District’s Annex building, before summer is out. ••• Thank you Sponsors cont.

Gateway Transmission Louis Auto Glass Safelite AutoGlass SEMRAU Engineering & Surveying ServPro Skagit Smiley Insurance

2015 ANNUAL GALA: • Hall of Famer – Title Sponsor $10,000 Dreamchasers RV • All-Stars $5,000 Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project Judd & Black Appliance K&H Print Solutions • MVP’s $2,500 Columbia Distributing CPI Plumbing & Heating Samish Indian Nation Shell Corporation • Social Hour Sponsor $2,500 Avenue Catering • Draft Picks $1,500 Angel of the Winds Casino Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance Brinderson Paul Evert’s RV Country RIS Insurance Services Skagit Bank Strandberg Construction Tesoro Corp

THE PRICE OF SUCCESS:

Photos by FoxLight

Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funding

he success seemed to just keep coming in 2015; first, a first ever award from the Office of Justice Programs of nearly $25,000 to provide academic mentoring programs to youth in Sedro-Woolley, then it was the selection as a pilot site for the new Academic Innovation in Mentoring initiative through the State of Washington, and with it, funding for the staff person and necessary hardware and software components. As the year progressed, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County were also successful in securing federal grant funds to open two middle school programs, and then, the Tesoro Foundation made a commitment of $390,000 over three years. To some in the community, Clubs seemed to be flush with cash, with less need for local investment, when in all actuality, the need was never greater. Some, more often jokingly than not, made reference to the organization needing to pay more for services, and some believed that the Clubs now had everything they needed. It is the local resources, Skagit philanthropy at its best, that open our doors when school is out, so more than 1,600 youth have a safe, fun, and positive place to go. When an individual or business makes a contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County to support our mission, unless otherwise directed, it is considered unrestricted funding. This goes to pay for administrative support, lights, copy toner, phone bills, games, snacks, other essentials, and most of all, the professional staff who work each day on the front line, making the greatest difference. When funding is secured that is for a specific Club, program, or other initiative, the donorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent, whether stated or implied, is taken seriously, and fulfilled. More than just the good steward responsibility of meeting

our donor-investors philanthropic goals, IRS regulations require us to track and restrict the resources for that purpose. More often than not, these investments are strategic in nature, and result in providing opportunities for deeper impact by our Clubs. This helps provide for a better overall Club Experience, but rarely the ability to reach more youth who are looking for the Club to fill a need in their lives. Through our grant and partnership with the Tesoro Foundation, Clubs were able to directly purchase new computers for youth for the first time in our history. It could be considered modest by most standards, as it resulted in just three to nine new terminals at each location, distributed based on Club attendance in an equitable manner. However, now Club members have the equipment needed not only to complete regular homework tasks, but learn coding, create their own video games, make movies, and other activities that are carefully designed to develop the skills necessary to pursue success in the 21st Century. Our Director of STEM Initiatives, funded wholly by this grant, visits each Club location weekly to engage youth in programs and curriculum that would not be possible with our core funding; however, without those investments, there would be no youth for them to engage. The price of success for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has been increased referrals from other agencies and partners, greater confidence by families that Clubs meet their need, and serving nearly 100% more youth than in 2014. Heading into the 2016-17 school year, three of our Clubhouses, in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley will open with waiting lists for enrollment; La Conner is likely to be at funded capacity within the first weeks of the year. Community need for Club programs is greater than ever, and can only be lessened through maintaining unrestricted funding streams and investments, carefully stewarded by the Board of Directors who provide indepth oversight to ensure that Clubs work hard to fulfill the core mission: to enable all young people, especially those who needs us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County is a solid investment and doing better than ever thanks to community support. Unrestricted funds enable Clubs to work with members in developing their path to success; restricted funds make that path wider. •••

Thank you Sponsors cont.

Valley Electric • Dessert Sponsor $1,000 Williams & Nulle • Image Enhancement Sponsor Simmons Insurance Group

THANK YOU TO OUR MANY CLUB PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS David Bishop Veronica Crommett Patricia Dunn Keith Magee Sarah Morr Wanda Rowland Liz Smith Chelsea Martin Tracy Kane Donnabell Lathrom Judith Wiefels Gable Wilkins Pat Bedson Cookson Beecher Renee Buchanan Jenna Fonoimoana Pat Grenfell Christine Johnson Kelsey Langille Madison Queen Kathie Roll Patricia Stephens Josh Anderson Danielle Baird-Russell Dan Berard Jennifer Doherty Chris Hill Ryan Linman Annie McGary Vanessa Murphy Nancy Ptacek Josh Serrano Patrick Siler Brian Soneda Kurt Swanson Kara Symonds Barbra Tucker Brian Youngquist LEARN LIVE LEAD 13

DISCOVERING

SUMMER!

Photo by FoxLight

REVISED DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS

Mean Big Changes

or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, revised regulations concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act, specifically the new minimum salary threshold, mean big changes in how Clubs will operate beginning December 1, 2016. All administrative staff, Club Directors, and Program Directors currently are classified as Full-time, Salaried, Exempt. The nature of most non-profit work, especially in organizations that provide direct service, requires flexibility, adaptability in schedule, and often many weeks where more than 40 hours is necessary to fulfill even the most basic of job requirements and objectives. Under current regulations, last updated in 2004, there is a ‘salary basis test’ that involves meeting specific requirements in job scope, coupled with a minimum salary of $455 weekly ($23,600 annually). New regulations from the Department of Labor, under development for the last two years, has changed the ‘salary basis test’, affecting several Club positions, but the greater impact comes from new minimum salary levels. With the change, an employee must earn $913 per week, or $47,476 annually for a full-year worker. Additionally, this wage will adjust automatically every three years, beginning on January 1, 2020. Historically, employees in the non-profit industry have remained underpaid in comparison to individuals with similar responsibility levels in the private sector. In the last few years, this has led to significant difficulties in recruitment and retention of qualified individuals in many positions all over the country, and led to most organizations revising salary levels out of necessity. In Skagit County, the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs worked in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to complete an assessment of the local Job Classification and Compensation Management Program (JCCMP) in 2015. The JCCMP process involves an outside consultant, provided by BGCA, who compares salary ranges of like positions throughout Clubs across the country, other non-profits, and the private sector, and then provides an analysis for reflection and consideration by the Board. Recognizing the need to increase salaries based on local economic conditions and the difficulty the organization had in recruiting new hires, members of the Board spent a considerable amount of time and energy engaged in this process. The results were not incredibly surprising. Staff were earning approximately 80% of the national median for their positions,

while the overall level of Skagit Valley was 109%, and Anacortes alone 112%, of the national median. Compounding the issue was a workforce shortage that resulted in increased wages of hourly employees across all sectors of Skagit County as businesses, both for-, and non-profit, struggled to hire part-time workers in the fall of 2015. The effect drove these wages even higher, and meant that some employees were earning more per hour than their supervisor or others on the leadership team.

With wages and benefits comprising more than 70% of the Clubs’ $1.6million annual budget, any movement in salary ranges have a significant impact on operations.

Yet, without action, Clubs wouldn’t have the staff necessary to continue serving the kids already signed up for programs. Although this shortage was anticipated, and Clubs responded by recruiting as far away as California to the south, and Wisconsin to the east - targeting communities with high unemployment, 17 positions remained unfilled on the first day of the 2015-16 school year. After careful deliberation, the Board of Directors voted to adopt a schedule that would raise wages to the 90th percentile, over a two-year period, still far behind the area norm, but positive movement nonetheless. Staff were certainly grateful for the investment in their future, turnover slowed, and by the end of the year, all but one full-time position remained open - and has now been filled as August approaches. Yet even with these positive changes, only the Executive Director earns more than the new minimum salary of $47,476; to fully implement the new Department of Labor regulations and make no changes to current structure would cost just over $180,000, while providing for no increase in service. With most Clubs operating on a waiting list for enrollment already because of need, this is just not something Club leadership can consider. An HR Taskforce, led by Board member Holly Shannon, with participation of several community leaders across different economic sectors, has recently engaged in processing through the many elements and consequences of this new reality, specifically what it means for current wage and benefits for staff, policies surrounding the transition from staff who are exempt from overtime to those that will now earn time and a half for any hours worked over forty, what type of flexibility is needed, how it will impact employee morale, and what non-core services will likely be eliminated. Even at conservative forecasting, the new overtime regulations will result in nearly $20,000 in potential overtime to current employees in 2017; this means a change is required so that Clubs can continue focusing on providing basic services for as many youth as possible. Beyond the affirmed Values of Fun, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Acceptance, Club leadership take very seriously stewardship and transparency, and aim to inform all stakeholders about operations, especially when they may make such a significant impact on the ability of the organization to fulfill its’ mission. For more information about the new regulations and how they may impact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, please contact Ron McHenry, Executive Director, at 360-419-3723. •••

Photo by Jon Kull

LEARN LIVE LEAD 17

MEET OUR BOARD

President Mark Lawrence Simply Yards Landscaping

Past-President Stephanie Hooper Bayside Specialties

Mark is a longtime resident and business owner in the Anacortes community. Heading up Simply Yards, a landscaping & design company, Mark has been involved with the Clubs first as a Community Council member, then as a Board member. Now serving as the Board President, he has been instrumental in much of the Clubsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development efforts.

A dedicated Board member, volunteer, and one of the Dinner & Auction committee chairs, Stephanie has been instrumental in raising the visibility of the Clubs, over the last couple years. A Burlington resident and business owner, she helps run Bayside Specialties, which sells promotional products all over the County.

Vice President Mike Gubrud Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance Agency

Vice President Kelly Tuohig Tesoro Corporation

Treasurer Becky Taft Skagit Bank

From helping chair the Resource Development committee, to helping make Keys For Kids event the signature success it is, today, Kelly has been a dynamic Board member, and community member. Originally from the Southwest, Kelly is the Senior Industrial Hygienist at Tesoro, and has a passion for serving youth in the area. Her perspectives on fun & healthy lifestyles has been important for improving the opportunities for Club kids.

Becky has been on the Board since 2011. Helping to ensure the financial accountability of the organization, she has been Treasurer, and helps facilitate most of the registration & banking at events. Becky is a Vice President at Skagit Bank, and the Sedro-Woolley Branch Manager. A longtime resident of the community, she can be found taking beautiful photos of exotic flowers and cruising around in her MG.

As a dedicated, local Farmers Insurance agent, and longtime Board member, Mike has helped out with nearly every facet of Club outreach & partnerships, over the years. A leader behind the Clubsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Golf Tournament, yearly ensuring success, Mike has helped the Clubs mature from a fledgling organization, into the leading youth development non-profit, it is today. 18

Past-President Annette Booth Booth Insurance/Allstate Insurance Co. Annette has been involved with Boys & Girls Clubs for more than six years. Serving on the Board, as a past-President, Annette has been very active in supporting the mission, and advocating for youth. Through her Allstate insurance agency, in Mount Vernon, she has placed a special emphasis on Club work, especially, acting as one of the Dinner & Auction committee chairs, and always striving for greater success.

MEET OUR BOARD

Secretary Carrie Wallace Skagit Bank

Member Pat Barrett Barrett Financial, LTD

Member Dr. Carl Bruner Mount Vernon School District Superintendent

Raised in Skagit County, and a graduate from BEHS & Western, Carrie has served for a couple years on the Board. A wealth of knowledge & vitality, Carrie’s keen insights have helped the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County continue to improve— ever finding new ways to engage our community. Carrie is the Senior Vice President of Compliance for Skagit Bank.

Though originally from Montana, Pat has been a deeply-involved member of the Anacortes community for years. As the head of Barrett Financial, Ltd., Pat brings extensive financial knowledge to the Board, and is a passionate exponent of greater youth access to our high-quality programs. Given his deep advocacy, Pat celebrates the tireless work of our staff, along with championing the successes of the Clubs.

A veteran Board member, Carl is the Superintendent for the Mount Vernon School District. Helping to bridge the in-school & out-of-school connections, Carl brings education experience to the Board, and insight into current school procedures. Having helped establish the 21st Century Programs, he has been a tremendous advocate for increasing the outreach of the Clubs, in service to youth.

Member Karen Ray Angel of the Winds Casino Hotel

Member Tom Pasma Tom L. Pasma Auctioneers

Co-Owner Double S Quarter Horses, Inc

Member Holly Shannon Carson Law Group

Karen joined our Board of Directors in January 2013, and brought in her impressive knowledge of marketing skills and community connections. Acting as Chair, she lent her expertise to the Clubs’ newly developed Marketing committee. She is passionate about the Clubs and loves hearing about the a day at the Club through her grandchildren, who are members in Anacortes.

Along with being the auctioneer for the Fall Dinner & Auction, over the last few years, Tom has been on the Board, helping to develop & secure important resources for the Clubs. Tom is an auctioneer & rancher, and helps head up Double S Quarterhorses in Bow, with his wife. Passionate about serving kids, Tom has been instrumental in developing partnerships that support youth leadership.

Having been on the Board just over a year, Holly brings a wealth of legal expertise to the Board, and Club procedures. An attorney for the Carson Law Group, in Everett, Holly heads up the Clubs’ HR Task Force, and has been instrumental in improving aspects of Keys For Kids, and the Dinner & Auction. Holly lives in Burlington, and is pleased to have returned to the Pacific Northwest, after law school in the Mid-West. LEARN LIVE LEAD

MEET OUR BOARD

Member Danielle Martin Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

Member Raymond Goda DreamchasersRV of Burlington

Member Tina Asp Image360

Danielle is one of the Clubsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; newest Board members. On top of her own business, as a Rodan+Fields consultant, she heads up marketing for Tri-Power Construction, and helped to set up a major stairway renovation project at the Mount Vernon Club. Danielle has brought energy as the Philanthropy chair, working to build & formalize a culture of giving, service, and investment in the lives of Club youth. A mother of two Club kids, herself, she brings a very personal understanding to Club programs.

While somewhat new to Skagit County, Raymondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion and enthusiasm have certainly made an impression that lasts. A recent edition to the Board of Directors, Raymond is a graduate of Leadership Skagit, and owns and operates DreamchasersRV of Burlington, which has been recognized several times for its excellence.

Originally from the vast expanses of Alaska, Tina has been doing business in the Skagit community for the last few years. With a background in design, marketing, and client relations, Tina heads up the operations of Image360-Burlington with her husband. A new Board member, Tina chairs the Program & Facilities committee, bringing her creativity & problem solving expertise to the Clubs.

Anacortes Club : Taylor Bannister 904 6th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 tbannister@skagitclubs.org 360-588-9045

PRESENTS

UNDER THE

La Conner Club: Kenneth Evans 305 N. Sixth St. La Conner, WA 98257 kevans@skagitclubs.org 360-466-3672

Mount Vernon Club : Angela Freeberg 1100 N. La Venture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 afreeberg@skagitclubs.org 360-428-6995

Mount Baker Club: Liz Klenke 2310 E. Section St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 lklenke@skagitclubs.org 3 60-428-6109 x32175

La Venture Club : Brian Gustafson

DINNER & AUCTION

1100 N. La Venture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 brian.gustafson@skagitclubs.org 360-428-6109 x31177

Sedro-Woolley Club: Alivia Holman 915 McGarigle Rd. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 alivia.holman@skagitclubs.org 360-856-1830

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For the past 3 years, Renee has dedicated one afternoon each week, during the school year to run the SMART Girls program for girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grades—a tremendous commitment!

enee first started volunteering at the Sedro -Woolley Club when Best Buy did a Club improvement project, while she was a Best Buy employee. After finishing her teaching certification at WWU, she applied for a summer job with the Club and was hired on as a Youth Development Professional, specializing in sports, fitness, and recreation. She was an immediate shoe-in to

ous topics related to life choices. Each lesson has a badge to be earned that goes in their SMART Girls Journal, motivating the participants and providing them with a chronicle of what they’ve learned over the course of the year. For the past 3 years, Renee has dedicated one afternoon each week, during the school year to run the SMART Girls program for girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grades—a tremen-

RENEE BUCHANAN & HER SMART GIRLS run the SMART Girls program as a staff, and continued to run it as a volunteer after she left the Club to work as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary, in Mount Vernon. This will be her fifth year running the SMART Girls program. SMART Girls is all about healthy attitudes & positive choices. The SMART Girls program provides girls ages 9-16 a safe forum to discuss their unique needs. SMART, or Skills Mastery and Resistance Training, is the method of focusing learning in a group environment to instill the skills and competencies related to making healthy choices, abstaining from drug use, and creating lasting relationships. Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides curriculum for SMART programs, helping to provoke reflection & discussion on vari-

dous commitment! Because of Renee’s steady presence, the girls feel very comfortable around her. This is a critical component of the program’s success. ”Renee offers a pleasant environment to be in, a place where I can talk about my feelings and not be judged,” says Club member, Ameliah, age 12. Renee demonstrates a thorough understanding of the SMART Girls mission, and Club members look to her for instruction and leadership. Because of her strong involvement in the community, she is able to bring in speakers to enhance the program. Renee also uses her kitchen talents for creative projects and treats. Renee has taken real ownership of this program and the results speak for themselves. •••

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT

LEARN LIVE LEAD

La Conner Club members learn how to measure their heart rate before and after running.

he Brooks Running Club, sponsored by Brooks Running Company, based in Seattle, WA, was started at the La Conner Club in 2014 and has seen consistent interest and eager participation. It was newly implemented at the Mount Vernon Club, this past April. Every Friday, Club members ages 9 and up head out to the track to hone their running skills. Last year, Club members received brand new Brooks running shoes and participated in a track meet in Pullayup. Running Club in Mount Vernon is run by Membership Coordinator and former Skagit County Youth of the Year, Bobby Castro. Bobby loves running and has run in half marathons and one full marathon. “Running on the track is always tiring for me,” says 9 year old Club member An-

ning Club, members learn endurance, perseverance, and team work. “These kids work hard,” says Director Angela Freeberg. “Each Friday they come back to the Club with sweaty, red faces. But the best part is their big smiles. You can see their sense of accomplishment.”

“Running on the track is always tiring for me. Bobby always gets us tired, but it’s to make sure we run better the next time we run. I like running now!” ~Andrew Frame (Club member, age 9)

BROOKS RUNNING CLUB drew Frame between pants. “Bobby always gets us tired, but it’s to make sure we run better the next time we run. I like running now!” Each meeting starts out with stretches, warm ups, followed by running challenges, and finishes with a cooldown before heading back into the Club. Through Run-

“I like running,” says Club member Colby McDermott, age 10. “This was the first time I’ve run a mile in the summer, and it is actually really fun to run in the sun!” To build on endurance and distance, the difficulty of the exercises and distance of the run is increased by small increments. During the Mile Race, members race each other to see who could get the fastest mile run, but at the same time,

P R O G R A M S : Healthy Lifestyles

make sure everyone gets through the mile within a given time. They started at 15 minutes and now are all finishing within 10 minutes after 8 weeks of the program. “That is a huge improvement, especially for kids,” says Bobby. “Running is not an easy task for anyone. I’ve always told kids to not be competitive against each other, but instead, run against themselves, making sure they improve their physical strength and endurance within their own skill level. This is what will help them become better runners.” Running Club is part of Boys & Girls Clubs’ emphasis on Healthy Lifestyles. The Clubs aim to provide every member with the opportunity to be active and engaged in physical education each day and strive to provide education to help members make healthy choices—creating habits lasting into adulthood. •••

ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT

outh of the Month provides a great opportunity for individual Club members to shine. Each month, members are honored for their character, skills, talents, & improvement in several categories. Each Club gives out unique awards, correlating with top programs—such as Artist of the Month, Triple Play MVP, and Power Hour Hero.

Awardees receive a unique certificate from their Club Director in front of a group of their peers, many times, with family in attendance as well. A short bio and photo is posted to the Club website and Facebook page. Recently Skagit Hyundai started recognizing youth on their big digital readerboard, and occasionally, youth will see their photo in the local newspaper.

All of the Clubs Award a boy & a girl as Youth of the Month. Clubs with strong teen attendance award a Teen of the Month as well.

Each year, Clubs use data from the National Youth Outcomes Initiative as a measurement of Club Experience. Part of that experience focuses on how well youth feel recognized, and help identify the factors that lead to, or limit how connected members feel. The Clubs take very seriously the role recognition plays in members’ general feeling of wellbeing, and work very hard to build & maintain an environment where all the members feel included. Not just does this lead to a better Club experience, but members’ likelihood of staying connected with the Club increases, as well– further ensuring the great futures of our youth. •••

Youth of the Month is a part of an umbrella program, Youth of the Year. Each Club will be selecting participants for this year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Youth of the Year Competition. The Youth of the Month program prepares younger members by instilling the drive for improvement, and helps youth to understand what it means to model Good Character & Citizenship. Award ceremonies are a big deal at the Clubs.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

P R O G R A M S : Good Character & Citizenship

BY THE NUMBERS: MEALS IN THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR, OUR CLUBS SERVED

60,630 SNACKS & MEALS During the 2015-16 school year, all Clubs provided a snack to every kid that came in the door, every day. That’s a lot of snacks. Supplies for the year came out of their general budget, along with regular deliveries of free, Erin Baker’s Breakfast Cookies, and occasional donations of fresh veggies from local farmers and organizations. Dinners were provided during Family Nights, held throughout the year at each Club. Now with funding through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, several locations serve: Breakfast, Lunch, and AM & PM snacks, in conjunction with the school districts in Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, as well as lunches for the Learning and Lunches program at Storvick & Whitney Park in Anacortes, and the Club’s Summer Breeze Program at Maiben Park in Burlington. With added funding comes added responsibilities, such as increased tracking and reporting, upgrades to facilities, permits, and staff as the program requires meals to be provided to anyone, ages 0-18, regardless of Club membership. In the Summer, without school lunch to rely on, for some youth, this could be their only opportunity to eat during the day. For the 2016-2017 school year the Clubs plan to expand their food services with PM snack and suppers under the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Clubs want to make sure that kids feel food secure, so that they can concentrate on learning, have fun, and just be a kid.

TOTAL SUMMER MEALS SERVED TO DATE* ANACORTES

4,446

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

5,000

BURLINGTON

628

MOUNT VERNON

5,412

LEARNING & LUNCHES Averaging 40 lunches per day. Full data not yet available

*Data set collected from each Club’s first day of the 2016 summer session, up until July 21, 2016.

LEARN LIVE LEAD

REFLECTIONS: 2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE by Tammy Findlay

o you know that feeling? Euphoria, excitement, a sense that everything can be right with the world? Hope, a renewed faith in humanity?

We all have memories of these moments in our lives. Sometimes it’s a significant life changing event, and sometimes it’s more subtle and quiet. It’s at the heart of what makes life beautiful, gives meaning and connection, and might illuminate our own sensibility of purpose, inspiring us to act, or validating our drive to keep on keeping on. In that moment, we are renewed. It was to be a new experience for me when I attended the National Boys & Girls Conference in New Orleans in May. Club Professionals and stakeholders from all over the nation gathered together to gain insight, share experience, strengthen relationships, and make new connections. Small sessions focused on a range of topics such as Marketing, Child Safety, STEM, best practices for CEOs and Board Members, Resource Development, and improving the overall Club Experience for all youth who walk through our doors. I was very impressed by a session featuring a panel of Regional Youth of Year recipients who reminisced about their time at their respective Clubs and spoke about their experiences entering college. Another favorite for me, focused on supporting LGBTQ youth, where attendees broke into small groups. The presenters created a space where participants felt comfortable asking questions, and we were able to have a real interactive discussion and dialog as a group. General Sessions were held in the Grand Ballroom; a space set to accommodate 3,000 attendees. Here we heard inspirational stories from former Club youth and famous talent. Individuals & Clubs were by recognized for their achievements and presented with well deserved grants, and we

witnessed Club youth present their incredible talents through music and dance. The keynote speakers were tremendous, and I was particularly impressed by Professor Robert Putnam’s presentation on the inequality of opportunity in America.

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco

Yet, what struck me most about the conference wasn’t one moment, but the sum of all its parts. It was a Club Director taking the stage to express her heartfelt gratitude at receiving much needed funds for her Club. It was the power behind a youth dance troupe. It was the shared story in a session of a successful solution or achievement at their Club. It was a group asking hard questions, sharing experience, tears and validation. It was Club people from nearby organizations greeting each other with hugs. It was seeing many glimpses of a person’s genuine heart. People all across the country, from many different backgrounds, in big cities, suburbs, and small towns with one stop light, all working together, humbly putting in all their effort to help youth in their communities. It was that feeling and I felt renewed. I’ve always been a big believer in fixing what’s in your backyard. I absolutely believe that Clubs are doing that in meaningful ways, on an individual level. One kid at a time, joining their friends in a safe space—a place where they can be themselves with mentorship they value and trust, a place to find themselves, explore their passions, discover their talents, and have room to grow into their potential. Individual communities have the greatest power to make lasting positive change for a nation as a whole. But it literally starts in our backyard, meaning, with ourselves. For me, I have to remember that it’s not about perfection; it’s about remembering to try, especially after discouragement. We all have the capacity to start small and do something beneficial for ourselves, our family, our neighbors, and our community. We won’t always know if we are putting our efforts in the right place, but when we get the feeling, we know where we stand. •••

Jay & Terry Ackley and K&H are proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County

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PO Box 947 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

THE PRINTING & MAILING OF THIS REPORT WAS DONATED BY K&H PRINTING SOLUTIONS

Jazzelle Elias

2016 Youth of the Year

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS PREMIER RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR CLUB MEMBERS AGES 14-18