LOCAL NEWS

 

_4/17/2008

Calvin Gilkey Named Minnesota Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlene Wright
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
612-435-1904
mwright@boysandgirls.org

 

 

CALVIN GILKEY NAMED MINNESOTA YOUTH OF THE YEAR BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, April 17, 2008 – Calvin Gilkey, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Minnesota by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  In addition to winning this prestigious title, Gilkey will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.  He was also awarded the Home Team Scholarship.  This inaugural scholarship was given out by FSN North and the professional sports teams of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Vikings organizations.  Gilkey is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation.  “For over 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Calvin Gilkey, for their dedication to their families, Club, community, and their academic and career goals.”

A member of the Westside Boys & Girls Club, Gilkey stands out among his peers because he is a leader who leads by example and demonstrates integrity, respect and self-discipline.  He is currently a senior at Humboldt Senior High School and has been a member of the Honor Roll every semester.  Gilkey plans on attending college next year and studying finance and computer technology.  He is also a very active member of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group that focuses on service through community projects and learning.  He has proven himself by overcoming many obstacles in life to succeed at school, in his community and in the Clubs.

“The Boys & Girls Club is such an important part of my life”, said Gilkey.  “I have learned that I can make a difference by offering my time and support to others.  The programs and staff give me the courage and support I need to achieve any goal.”

 “Calvin and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA.  “We are most appreciative to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals.”

This summer, Gilkey will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Midwest Region.  If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington.  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President George W.  Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office. 

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA, and 61 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year.  For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.bgca.org/yoy.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than 75 years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration.  The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.8 million young people through Club membership and community outreach, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide.  Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.  National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

 

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_3/31/2008

Energizer will Kick-off Battery On-Sale Promotion to Energize the Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       
                       
CONTACT:   
Marlene Wright / 651-967-1112
mwright@boysandgirls.org

 

Energizer Will Kick-Off Battery On-Sale Promotion To “Energize The Community”

Energizer to Take Part in Kids in the City Event

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, MARCH 28, 2008 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities announced today that it will partner with Energizer to “Energize Your Community”.  The promotion includes the on-sale of battery packs at all Target stores nationwide.  For each Energizer MAX 16-pack purchased at Target, $1.00 will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Energizer will be donating a minimum of $200,000 through this promotion.

Funds will support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), as well as providing pass-through dollars to Clubs in the hometowns of the two partners:  St. Louis and Minneapolis.  In addition to raising funds, the promotion aims to raise awareness and involvement.  Packaging and in-store displays will carry the Boys & Girls Club logo and each package will contain an insert directing consumers to BGCA’s website and 1-800-854-CLUB.

Energizer will also be a VIP sponsor of the fourth annual Kids in the City Event – A Celebration of All-Stars on Thursday, May 1st at the Metrodome Stadium.  The event is a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities and will feature professional sports celebrities from the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Swarm, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Vikings, as well as many University of Minnesota athletes.  

The event will begin at 5:00 pm with a sports pre-game of interactive games and activities,
silent auction, celebrity autographs and photos.  Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm featuring live entertainment by the Boys & Girls Clubs youth, an awards presentation to the FSN North All-Stars, an appearance by the 2008 Minnesota Youth of the Year.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 612-435-1916 or emailing nkersting@boysandgirls.org.

About Energizer    
Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE:  ENR], www.energizer.com, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights.  Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer® MAX® premium alkaline brand; Energizer® e2® Lithium® and Energizer® e2® Titanium Technology® performance brands; Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.

 

The Energizer® product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses.  Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices.  Energizer continues its role as a technology leader as it launches Energizer® Energi To Go®, portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones, portable games and audio devices. 

About the Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than seventy-five years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight inner-city locations, The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  For more information, contact Marlene Wright at 651-967-1112 or visit us on the web at www.boysandgirls.org. 

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_3/7/2008

Local Herberger's Stores Holiday Promotion Raises Money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

Melt Your Heart Snowman Raises Over $800  

for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, March 7, 2008 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is proud to announce that through the Herberger’s 2007 “Melt Your Heart” Snowman plush promotion, $850 was raised for the eight local clubs.  During the holiday season, 270 stores in 23 states, sold the 15” tall snowmen that directly benefited local Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We are very appreciative of the generosity and support of our local Herberger’s stores.  It is great to see the community come together to make a difference in a child’s life,” said Erin Carlin, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.

“Our company partners with local organizations to directly benefit the communities we serve,” said Bud Bergren, President and CEO, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.  “The Boys & Girls Clubs are the Positive Place for Kids in our community, and we are proud to be a strong supporter of their cause.”

Since inception of the Boys & Girls Clubs holiday plush promotion in 2002, The Bon-Ton Stores have donated more than $500,000 to local Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than seventy-five years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight inner-city locations, The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

 

 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

 

 

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_2/21/2008

Calvin Gilkey Named Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Youth of the Year

 

Calvin Gilkey Named twin cities youth of the year

 

MINNEAPOLOIS, MN, February 21, 2008 – Calvin Gilkey is a true example of an extraordinary young man.  At age 18 he has just been selected as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.  Gilkey is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. 

 

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.  The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

 

A member of the West Side Boys & Girls Club, Gilkey stands out among his peers because he is a leader who leads by example and demonstrates integrity, respect and self-discipline.  He is currently a senior at Humboldt Senior High School and has been a member of the Honor Roll every semester.  Gilkey plans on attending college next year and studying finance and computer technology.  He is also an active member of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group that focuses on service through community projects and learning.  He has proven himself by overcoming many obstacles in life to succeed at school, in his community and in the Clubs.

 

“The Boys & Girls Club is such an important part of my life”, said Gilkey.  “I have learned that I can make a difference by offering my time and support to others.  The programs and staff give me the courage and determination to push myself and achieve any goal.”

 

 

This April, Gilkey will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Minnesota State Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from Reader’s Digest.  If he wins at the state level, then he will compete for the title of Midwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship.  Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2008 to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year.  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony. 
 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than 75 years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  For more information, contact BGCTC at 651-999-0600 or visit us on the Web at www.boysandgirls.org. 

 

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_2/1/2008

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is Awarded $20,000 Grant from Entegris

 

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is Awarded
$20,000 Grant From Entegris

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota—The Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The Entegris Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation to help support their Education & Career Development Programs.  The grant was made possible through the Entegris Corporate Citizenship Program.

 

This support will help to sustain the Club’s efforts to serve young people.  The Education & Career Development Programs address Club members’ needs for additional support and guidance in their academic endeavors, for assistance and encouragement in their exploration of career and post-secondary options, and for technology access and instruction.  Funding enables youth to improve their technology and literacy skills, become proficient in basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations, and research career and post-secondary options. 

 

Entegris is the global leader in materials integrity management. Its mission is to purify, protect and transport critical materials used in high technology products, processes and services. The Entegris brand will reflect the value Entegris provides to its key stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, employees and communities in which we live.

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than seventy-five years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight inner-city locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible, citizens.  For more information, contact BGCTC at 651-999-0600 or visit our website at www.boysandgirls.org. 

 

 

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_12/5/2007

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is Awarded Grant from Foster's Wine Estates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:   
Marlene Wright/651-967-1112
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
mwright@boysandgirls.org       

       

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is Awarded $10,000 Grant From Foster’s Wine Estates

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, December 5, 2007 —The Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Foster’s Wine Estates to help support their Environmental Education programs and the Voyageur Environmental Center (VEC).

The $10,000 check was made possible through a Community Grants Program administered by Foster’s Wine Estates.  Foster’s is the parent company of a family of wineries including Beringer Vineyards, Meridian, Stags’ Leap Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Penfolds, Rosemount Estates, Lindemans and several others. The check was presented to Stoney Hays, VP of Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs Twin Cities by Mike Elling, Regional Sales Manager for Foster’s (photo attached).

This support will help to sustain the Club’s efforts to serve young people at the Clubs’ Voyageur Environmental Center which develops Club members’ interest, appreciation, awareness, and understanding of nature.  VEC offers Environmental Education programming to inner-city youth which empowers them with the tools for adapting an ecological lifestyle, combined with the five core programs prepares Club members for positive and self-sufficient futures.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than seventy-five years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight inner-city locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible, citizens.  For more information, contact BGCTC at 651-999-0600 or visit our website at www.boysandgirls.org. 

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_11/21/2007

Kids Can Give Program Helps Youth Learn the Importance of Giving

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities "Kids Can Give" Program allows youth to earn points throughout the year for their involvement in programs offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs.  During the holidays, these kids use their points to purchase gifts for their family members....showing just how much "Kids Can Give!" 

You can donate to the Kids Can Give Program by:

*  Shopping on your own for gifts.  Gifts are needed for moms, dads, grandparents, children and teens.

*  Making a cash donation to Kids Can Give program, which will go solely toward purchasing gifts for the sale.

Please drop off any items at any New Horizon Childcare Center in the Twin Cities or at the Boys & Girls Clubs Administrative Offices located at 6500 Nicollet Avenue South, Suite 200, Richfield, MN, before December 12th.

For more information please contact Terryl Kirksey at tkirksey@boysandgirls.org or 612-522-3636.

 

 

_11/28/2007

American Express Makes Donating to the Clubs Easy

American Express Makes Donating Easy

The GivingExpress^SM program from American Express connects you to important causes including education, health, human services, and more. Your dollar donations are tax-deductible and you’ll receive an e-mail receipt for your records. Charitable giving has never been so easy and rewarding.  To donate simply go to www.americanexpress.com/give.  Find the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities in the charity listing and then submit amount you would like to donate.  It is an easy way to give!

Through December 31st, American Express card members earn double rewards points when they make charitable donations through the Giving Express Program with their American Express card. 

 

 

_11/9/2007

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Join Nationwide Call to Action Concerning Crisis Affecting Young People

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE TWIN CITIES JOIN NATIONWIDE CALL TO ACTION

CONCERNING CRISES AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE

Harris Survey, Leading Experts and Prominent Club Alumni Address

Crime and Violence, Dropout Epidemic, Youth Obesity

              Major New York Event Launches “Impact 2012”

Minneapolis, MN, October 25, 2007— America's young people need our help, concluded a panel of child development experts that came together recently in New York City today to examine issues impacting youth.  Too many children and teens are not receiving the guidance they need to graduate from high school, to avoid the effects of violence, gangs and drugs, or to become responsible adults. 

The panel, brought together by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), issued a call to action asking Americans to become outraged over what is happening to young people, to make a commitment to help reverse the negative trends affecting kids in communities throughout the nation, and to join Clubs nationwide, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, in their mission of changing and saving young lives.  The organization’s national spokesperson and alumnus Denzel Washington, along with actor and alumnus Cuba Gooding Jr. and WNBA all-star and alumna Swin Cash, joined the panel to discuss the positive and profound impact the Boys & Girls Clubs have had on their lives.

“As a nation, we need to provide more safe havens for children and teens in our communities," said Erin Carlin, President and CEO, of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.  "Today we join with all the Clubs nationwide in calling on civic leaders, educators, parents and other caring adults to 'share the outrage' concerning the dropout epidemic, the increasing levels of violence, and other growing threats to the well-being of our young people.  Boys & Girls Clubs will do their part, with the support of many caring and concerned citizens, but we cannot turn the tide alone."

The panel also discussed the results of a new Harris Interactive survey of Club alumni that confirmed the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on kids who pass through their doors. The group concluded by asking Americans everywhere to help build more safety nets for the nation's youth by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and other community-based organizations that serve children.

Panelists included Harvard University's Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, one of the nation's preeminent child psychiatrists; Northeastern University's Dr. James Alan Fox, national youth violence expert, professor of criminal justice and author; Harris Interactive Chairman/CEO Humphrey Taylor; BGCA Chairman Rick Goings and President/CEO Roxanne Spillett; and Stacey Walker, 19, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2006-07 National Youth of the Year, from Des Moines, Iowa.

According to the Harris survey, 57 percent of alumni believe the Club saved their life. Verbatim comments reveal that alumni found a safe haven at the Club, away from disruptive or dysfunctional family situations or other negative influences in their neighborhoods. 

"The Club was my whole world from the time I was six years old.  It's where I learned how to focus and set my mind on a goal; it's where I learned about consequences and how to be a man," recalled Denzel Washington.  "I believe we all have the responsibility to give something back; to leave the world a better place for our having been here.  For me, that means giving back to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, whose programs helped shape me and gave my life purpose and direction.  I can't think of a nobler or more fulfilling mission than to guide our young children and set them down the right path."   

Four Major Areas of Concern

The panel focused its discussion on four major areas of concern impacting America's youth today: crime and violence, high school dropout rates, obesity and health, and crises affecting African-American males.  Based on the survey results, a significant number of Boys & Girls Club alumni agree that they would not have graduated from high school, attended college, or stayed out of trouble if not for the Club.

§         Crime & Substance Abuse: Crime, drug and alcohol use are among the most serious problems affecting America's young people. Every 24 hours, more than 15,000 teens use drugs for the first time.   Every two hours a youth is murdered. Every four minutes a youth is arrested for an alcohol-related crime and every seven minutes a youth is arrested for a drug crime (Crime Time by Safe Place). And in the next 24 hours, 3,506 teens will run away from home (Teen Help).  Some 67 percent of Club alumni attribute their ability to avoid difficulty with the law to the influence of Club staff, and 67 percent also say the Club is where they learned how to “say no” to drugs and alcohol.

§         Dropout Rates:  In 2006 alone, 1.2 million teenagers did not graduate from high school in the United States -- that's 30 percent of the class of 2006.  The number increases to an astonishing 50 percent among some minorities.  According to a survey by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 88 percent of those surveyed (ages 16 to 25 in 25 urban, rural and suburban communities nationwide) had passing grades when they dropped out of school, and 91 percent of those dropouts said they knew that graduating was vital to their future success.   According to the Harris Alumni Survey, some 28 percent report they would have dropped out of high school if not for the Club, plus another 51 percent achieved a higher level of education than they thought possible because of attending the Club.

§         Childhood Obesity: Obesity and lack of physical fitness is also a serious issue affecting today's youth.   According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 16 percent of adolescents in the United States are overweight.  This figure has nearly tripled in the last 20 years.  Some 25 percent of young people (ages 12-21) report that they do not participate in any vigorous physical activity and 14 percent report that they don't even participate in any light to moderate physical activity.  This lack of physical fitness and abundance of obesity means that 16 percent of our teens are at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes has also increased dramatically in teens as a direct result of adolescent obesity.  Of the alumni surveyed, 80 percent said that their Club experience made a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health, with 74 percent participating in organized sports.

§         Crisis Among African-American Males:  According to a 2006 New York Times article by Erik Eckholm, the problems affecting many African-American males have become an epidemic.  Eckholm states that about one-third of black males are awaiting trial, in jail or prison, or on probation or parole.  In their lifetime, nearly one-third of black males will spend some time in jail or prison.  Black males are more likely to drop out of high school, be placed in special education classes, and be suspended or expelled, but less likely to be placed in gifted and talented classes.  More than 50 percent of black males in inner-city schools do not graduate from high school.  However, according to the Harris survey, some 73 percent of African-American male alumni said the “Club saved my life.”  Most impressive – 34 percent of African-American BGC male alumni earned a four-year college degree, compared to the national rate of 16 percent.

"There's an eclipse of traditional community in today's generation: higher rates of divorce, the decline of churchgoing and the fact that more people live in urban areas, where they may not even know their neighbors.  Kids need a community where they are safe, where people know and care about them, someplace they can go after school and do their homework instead of getting into trouble on the streets,” concluded Dr. James Alan Fox.  "Boys & Girls Clubs provide that much-needed community for millions of kids."

Impact 2012: Building for the Future

Boys & Girls Clubs of America used the panel discussion as the official kick-off for Impact 2012, a five-year strategic plan formulated by representatives of Clubs throughout the country, including the Clubs in the Twin Cities.  For the period between 2008 and 2012, BGCA has identified several strategic priorities, the most important being the deepening of impact on young lives through:

-        Increased overall daily attendance, and increased frequency of attendance for each Club member; 

-        Emphasis on outcome measurement of success indicators, including academic achievement, juvenile crime reduction, and level of civic engagement;

-        Outreach to more young people and families most in need;

-        Special emphasis on serving the needs of teens;

-        Strengthening of local Clubs through enhanced training and development of professional youth development staff;

-        Establishment of new Clubs in communities where the needs are greatest, reaching a total of 5,000 local service locations by 2012.

“As an organization that has provided hope and opportunity for the youth of  the Twin Cities for over 75 years, we are proud to add our voice to this nationwide call to action on behalf of America’s kids,” said Carlin.   “We hope all local community leaders, citizens and parents will join us in putting the needs of our children and teens at the forefront of our priorities.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, with 4.8 million youth served through Club membership and community outreach, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide.  Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff.  Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.  An estimated 30 million American youth have been served by Boys & Girls Clubs since the founding of BGCA in 1906. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than seventy-five years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight inner-city locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

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