Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio (BGCCO)
Who We Are: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio (BGCCO) provides comprehensive youth development programming and guidance to kids and teens both after school and during the summer. With nine Clubs located across three counties, BGCCO creates a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for more than 4,000 young people every year, giving them the opportunity to be heard, lead and build meaningful connections. In addition to outcomes-driven programming, Club members receive nutritious meals, recreation, friendship and mentorship, and a place to call home and belong.
What We Do: BGCCO’s mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential so they can graduate on time with a plan for the future. 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 focuses on achieving success in four core impact areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Socio-Emotional Health. Using a coordinated and longitudinal approach, BGCCO engages young people early and often so that they can be successful in whatever path they choose.
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. Club kids of every race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status and religion are accepted, acknowledged and supported. Our professional staff teach and show Club kids that they are valued, that they matter, and that they are more than their circumstances. 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 great challenges which include 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. Proven programming, safe spaces, and caring staff result in Club members reporting that they are more likely to graduate, to help those in need, and to participate in physical activity when compared nationally to their peers.
How You Can Help: BGCCO is committed to removing barriers and ensuring all youthhave the opportunity to reach their full potential. 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. Because membership fees contribute less than1% 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, contact Addie Natalie at anatalie@bgccentralohio.org.
Connect with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio
1000 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Donate: www.bgccentralohio.org/d1
Chief Executive Officer: Doug Wolf
Board Chair: Johnathan Northup, Huntington
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