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Nearly two months has passed since Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend (BGCCB) closed our doors to protect youth and staff from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our commitment to keeping youth safe is, and will continue to be, our number one priority.
As we prepare to resume daily operations during this unprecedented time, we want you to know that BGCCB is doing everything possible to protect our youth, our staff, and our volunteers. We will continue to adhere to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
, county, and city guidelines; as well as closely monitor updates and guidance from our local health department.
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As we navigate this new normal, we intend to move with the same level of commitment, dedication, and passion that we always have. We are ready to meet the needs of our youth, especially those who need us most. There is no higher honor and together we will emerge stronger then ever before.
To our donors, partners, champions, and advocates thank you for being a beacon of hope and supporting the life-changing work we do throughout the Coastal Bend. Each and every one of you plays an important part in our mission. The programs, events, and club member success stories are a result of your time, passion, and resources. Thanks to supporters like you, our youth overcome tremendous obstacles despite the many challenges surrounding them. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your commitment to our purpose. I am beyond proud and honored to stand with you and embrace such an amazing movement.
Before you go, take a look at what we have been doing
Behind the Blue Doors
over the last two months and how we are
Walking Into the Future
with a
Race To The Club.
Thank you, take care, and stay safe!
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Kim Barrientos
Chief Executive Officer
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A small team of BGCCB staff has been doing whatever it takes to build great futures for our youth, through engaging online activities and a virtual classroom titled ‘MyFuture’. MyFuture is a mobile-friendly platform with access to over 185 Boys & Girls Club program activities in areas such as STEM, leadership, and the arts. Kids and teens learn new skills and connect with their friends; all while earning recognition and rewards in a safe and fun online environment.
Through the support of the United Way of the Coastal Bend, BGCCB has been able to distribute program backpacks to over 300 at-risk youth, over the last two months. The backpacks contained a month’s worth of healthy snacks and BGCCB curriculum activities and art supplies.
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“Thank you so much for your kindness with the boys and girls club. I’m currently not working because of everything going on, so I really appreciate all the snacks and activities that were in the backpacks...along with being appreciative for the backpacks! You guys stuffed those with so many goodies! I just wanted to let you know how thankful my family and I are and we are so grateful to be a part of Flour Bluff ISD. Thank you a million times and I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy!”
“P.S. my boys were part of the after-school program and they are missing their coaches and friends so much!”
-- Rachel, Flour Bluff ISD Unit Parent
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3,731
Club locations are providing
services
to their communities.
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686
locations are serving youth, most focused on children of
essential workers
.
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3,009
locations are providing
virtual programming
reaching 242,000 youth per week.
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290,000
kids and teens are
served per week
(virtually or at the Club).
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1,751
locations are
providing 943,000 meals
per week.
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BGCCB is working hard to balance our role in the community with the need for safety, so that we are able to successfully support youth in the Coastal Bend. This summer, we will be able to invite a limited amount of youth back into our traditional club, the Greenwood Unit. The plan is to host two four-week summer camps; serving a maximum of 60 youth during each camp. The first four-weeks will run from June 1, 2020 through June 26, 2020; while the second four-weeks will run from July 6, 2020 through July 31, 2020. We intend to operate on a 1:10 staff to club member ratio and implement programming in each of the homerooms assigned to our youth. In order to reach a larger population of youth, BGCCB we will continue to support our 78415 Community Youth Development Program (CYD) youth through the 'My Future' virtual programming platform, distribution of program backpacks with the necessary curriculum activities and supplies, and providing them with a nourishing lunch and afternoon snack. Although things will look a little different for a while, BGCCB is excited to bring back a bit of normalcy to our community; as we have missed our youths smiling faces and the laughter and cheer that floats throughout our program rooms.
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"Ya’ll are doing big things within this community. At one point I was a member and I have to say, it seems like ya’ll are making such a big difference. Times may be tough now, but kids will forever remember their outlet and ya’lls impact & effort. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend was more than an outlet for me and kids I grew up with. It’s awesome how ya’ll are keeping the “Reck” alive. Don’t stop spreading the love. Keep it going BGCCB!"
-- Joe, BGCCB Alumni & Supporter
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