BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CENTRAL OHIO (BGCCO)
Who We Are: For over 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio (BGCCO) has enabled young people to reach their full potential. What started as a single stand-alone Club in 1948, has grown to serving thousands of kids in twelve Clubs and three counties across central Ohio. Whether it be a traditional or school-based site, each of our Clubs provides kids a safe, engaging space to learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.
What We Do: We provide year-round, high quality youth development programming for kids ages 5 – 18 years, as well as safe spaces to learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Formula for Impact is designed to help kids build skills in four priority outcome areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Socio-Emotional Health. A typical day at the Club includes future readiness programming, nutritious meals, recreation, friendship and mentorship, and a place to call home and belong.
Why We’re Important: A child’s future should not be dictated by an address, a school district, or a skin color. BGCCO exists to help the kids we serve overcome the systemic inequities that threaten their long-term success. Our professional staff teach and show Club kids that they are valued, that they matter, and that they are more than their circumstances. By providing kids access to these caring mentors, along with safe spaces and outcomedriven programs, kids can develop the skills they need to succeed in life. And our programming works:
92% of our members expect to graduate from high school
100% of our members are physically active every day that they are at the Club
92% of Club members say they can stand up for what is right even if their friends disagree.
Over half of Club alumni say that the Club experience saved their lives.
How We Impact the Community: Our Clubs are found in Central Ohio’s most vulnerable communities. Residents in these neighborhoods face significant challenges including poverty, high crime rates, vacant housing , and other barriers to educational and career attainment. BGCCO helps eliminate obstacles and provides resources so that kids can thrive. By offering kids access to safe spaces, caring staff, and proven programming, they report they are more likely to graduate on time, help those in need, and participate in physical activity when compared nationally to their peers.
How You Can Help: Though it costs the organization an estimated $25 per child per day for the unlimited resources that the Club offers, families pay just 50 cents per day. Because membership fees contribute less than 1% of Club revenue, our ability to reach the kids who need us depends heavily on support from generous individual and corporate community donors. For those who wish to volunteer their time, BGCCO offers two volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more information on volunteering, email volunteer@bgccentralohio.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio (BGCCO)
1000 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201
Donate: www.bgccentralohio.org/donate
Chief Executive Officer: Doug Wolf
Board Chair: Johnathan Northup, Huntington
