The Boys and Girls Clubs of The Western Reserve

I love my job and knowing that we´re making a difference in our members’ lives. I truly believe that the Boys & Girls Club has a great impact on our community and its children. We´re helping to shape their future and that´s awesome! ... Read More

We know that one idea can spark the imagination of a child. We are committed to igniting that spark!

A Place to Belong

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve serve more than 1,000 at-risk youth at two Clubs in inner-city Akron, partnerships with Akron After School, the GirlPower! program for girls ages 9-13 in local schools, and a Saturday Club in conjunction with the Knight Foundation for Simon Perkins Middle School students. The Clubs offer positive youth development programs, and serve snacks and meals daily to ensure balanced nutrition for members. National statistics indicate students from high poverty areas are at a greater risk educationally of low performance and of dropping out of school. Students without access to quality after-school programs face increased chances of using drugs, becoming teen parents, as well as experience poorer academic performances, and behavior and attendance challenges. Boys & Girls Clubs help young people succeed in school, stay healthy, learn life skills, pursue arts and sports, and explore career choices. Most importantly, Clubs show kids that someone cares and wants them to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Previous government funding has nearly ceased. Clubs annually must raise the money necessary to keep doors open and programs running. The 2009 Annual Campaign goal was $40,000 which we surpassed by more than $5,000! Annual support allows for the Clubs to reach more at-risk kids and increase awareness of the Clubs.

A Club of Their Own

The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs is intent on securing the future of the agency by establishing an endowment fund to help support the dreams and aspirations of generations of the area’s youth. The endowment is an investment in the future success of the entire region and its interest income will help with operations at all of the Clubs. The endowment goal is $3 million. In 2006, an anonymous donor made a $200,000 lead gift to establish the endowment, and in 2009 made another gift of $250,000. Housed at the Akron Community Foundation, the endowment is a vital tool for management and growth of the organization. The Boys & Girls Clubs are poised for a deeper impact on the area’s at-risk youth by providing safe, positive environments where kids can have fun and experience supportive, caring relationships. Clubs also open young minds to broader opportunities and greater expectations. At the Clubs, we know that one idea can spark the imagination of a child.

Will you join us in igniting that spark?