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What is Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County?
Glad you asked! Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County is an organization
dedicated to helping kids. We’ve got a great Club facility and a number
of school-based Clubs offering a range activities to interest any child,
including computer labs, arts and crafts, homework help, sports and so much
more!
What is the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of
St. Joseph County?
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County’s mission is to inspire
and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances,
to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
How long have the Clubs been serving youth in St.
Joseph County?
Since 1974! The Boys’ Club of South Bend was founded in 1974. In 1991,
The Boys Clubs of St. Joseph County officially welcomed girls and changed
its name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County.
What kinds of programs and activities do the Clubs
offer?
We offer programs in five core areas:
1.
Character and Leadership Development: Kids learn to be leaders
through service to their Club and their community. Our programs empower
kids to sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive
self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their
own and others’ cultural identities.
2. Education and Career Development: Kids can explore education
and career opportunities with the guidance of mentors and role models.
BGCSJC trained staff and quality programs also provide help with homework,
reinforce math and science skills, teach computer skills and take
members to visit local and out-of-state colleges.
3. Health and Life Skills: Programs are designed to teach kids
how to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being,
set and reach personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient
adults.
4. The Arts: Kids can express their creativity and talent at
the Clubs. We offer programs that include daily arts and crafts, ceramics,
painting, dance, music, and woodworking, just to name a few.
5. Sports, Fitness and Recreation: Kids build not only healthy
bodies, but strong character and sportsmanship, as well. They can
choose from team sports such as basketball and football or individual
activities like martial arts, dance, weight training, swimming and
a lot more. |
What
makes Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County special?
Four key characteristics define the essence of a Boys & Girls Club.
All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:
1.
Dedicated Youth Facility: The Boys & Girls Club is a place
- an actual neighborhood-based building - designed solely for youth
programs and activities.
2. Open Daily: The Club is open every day, after school and
on weekends (for special events), when kids have free time and need
positive, productive outlets.
3. Professional Staff: Every Club has full-time and part time,
trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models
and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
4. Available and Affordable to All Youth: Clubs reach out to
kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs.
Dues are a low $20 per year. |
Do
the Clubs’ programs work?
The Boys & Girls Clubs experience nurtures young people’s well-being
and helps them reach their full potential through one-on-one relationships
with qualified, caring adult professionals and fun, age-appropriate, well-rounded
programming. Our Club programs are effective because they:
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Meet members’ interests, as well as their needs
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Build on members’ strengths
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Are staffed by qualified, caring adult professionals
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Provide members with challenging, interesting activities
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Promote learning and healthy development throughout the Club experience
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Focus on achieving specific outcomes
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Are carefully researched, designed and field-tested
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Are continually assessed and evaluated
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Who
do Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County serve?
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County serve more than 2,500 kids,
ages 6-18, annually. 75% of BGCSJC’s families have annual household
incomes of $30,000 or less. Only 22% of BGCSJC members live in a two-parent
household.
Where are the Clubs located?
Sample Street Branch
O.C. Carmichael Jr. Youth Center
502 East Sample Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601
::click
here for a map::
Perley Primary Center School Branch
740 North Eddy Street
South Bend, Indiana 46617
::click
here for a map::
Wilson Primary Center Branch
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
56660 North Oak
South Bend, Indiana 46628
::click
here for a map::
Harrison Primary Center Branch
3302 W. Western Avenue
South Bend, Indiana 46619
Battell School Branch
715 East Broadway
Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
::click
here for a map::
When are the Clubs open?
Individual Club hours vary, but in general, Clubs are open during the school
year Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. In the summer, Clubs
are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
What does it cost to be a member?
The Clubs keep membership affordable for our kids - only $20 a year. However,
it costs Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County about $500 a year to
provide services for one child.
Is Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County a United
Way agency?
Yes, we are a United Way agency.
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Your
gift can help provide a safe place for kids to learn and grow.
::Learn More:: |
Whatever
your skills, we have a place for you to help.
::Learn More:: |
Great
big kids helping great little kids.
::Learn More:: |
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