Helping Our Youth during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Underwrites elementary-age literacy program serving more than 200 Club members
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge is facing an unprecedented financial period, which is forcing them to make decisions I never imagined we would ever face.
Decisions that could impact the future of youth in our community for decades to come. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our lives in unimaginable ways – We are sure that you too are not immune to its impact.
When the Governor declared the “Stay At Home Order,” forcing schools and the Boys & Girls Club to close. The Boys & Girls of Greater Baton Rouge pivoted to re-imagine the status quo and architect something new. We continued to serve children and knew our efforts would find financial support .
We are asking for your support, now!
Boys & Girls Club developed a virtual platform for our Summer Programs and then shared the opportunity with other youth service organizations. You can be proud that this newly formed coalition is a “one-stop” platform for quality and engaging youth programs. Students from all parts of Louisiana have joined LASummer.org. More than 1,000 children and teens have registered.
The Boys & Girls Club’s Summer Literacy Program has been the backbone of our summer programs. Year after year, Club members shown growth in the reading levels after our program. This summer we have targeted 200 students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th to participate in our Virtual LitCamp program. Our classes (ten students per class) will meet four times a week with our instructors.
Boys & Girls Club hosted a successful Virtual Teen Summit engaging more than 60 teens featuring Basketball Coach and former NBA player, Tyrus Thomas; Dr. LaKeitha Poole, LSU Director of Sports Psychology & Counseling for the LSU Athletic Department and LaDonte Lotts, Founder of Jiggerobics Fitness. We have invited these teens to meet with our Youth Development Professionals weekly via ToGoMeeting platform
We have been ambitious, successful, and, innovative in reaching children and teens. Our income is currently down 41% from this same time period last year. We had a 35% reduction of staff. Our kids need us now more than ever.
Hope isn’t cancelled or postponed at the Boys & Girls Club; although, we have had to cancel or postponed three of our largest fundraising events (which brings in more than $150,000).
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support. Thank you for caring. Thank you for consideration. Thank you for giving!