6.2. SR 07-21-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 02, 2007 City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Sir or Madam: On behalf of the members, staff and volunteers at Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River, I want to thank you for the generous support that the City of Elk River gave to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River over the years. Please accept this letter of inquiry as a request for the City of Elk River to consider accepting a full proposal for $50,400 to support Teen Programming, Diversity Initiative and Partnership. With the support of the City of Elk River the local Club in their efforts will deepen their impact on the young people and families they serve. • September 1, 2008 -December 31, 2008 *Including Club open for the summer months $10,330.00 • January 1, 2009 -December 31, 2009 *Including Club open for the summer months $40,070.00 The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Though the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River was formed during1999. The organization's experience with meeting the changing needs of youth in this area is further enhanced by an affiliation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). From the nation's first Club formed in 1860, BGCA has grown to become the country's oldest and largest organization to benefit youth facing adverse situations. Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River relies on BGCA for assistance with program development, staff training, and. some pass-through funding. A youth development strategy that fosters the senses of belonging, competence, usefulness, and influence underlies all of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk Rivers' programs, building self-confidence and self-esteem in members. The agency provides a wide range of programming in five core program areas: Education & Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; Character & Leadership .Development; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. These core program areas will be enhanced by specialized initiatives with the support of the City of Elk River. The Need Reaching more than 1,000 young people annually and an average of over 80 youth daily, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River is positioned to meet the individual needs of many local children and teens. At the same time, the organization has the great opportunity to address on a large scale the most challenging issues facing young people today, including gang involvement; diminished academic performance, poverty; alcohol and other drug use and abuse; poor health and nutrition; and an overall lack of positive role models and guidance. There is a need to strengthen the Teen Initiatives, Diversity Initiatives/Cultural Celebrations and Partnerships core components to further benefit the youth served at Clubs. The Specialized Initiatives focus on meeting significant, specific needs that have been identified by the community. Because their scope is broad, they complement or encompass several or all of the core program areas. Proposed Program The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River proposes to implement a complete Teen Program, Diversity Initiative and stronger Partnership by expanding the current activities and enhancing the program and offerings. The Teen Initiative will deepen the impact with teens in their communities. Teens are not simply "older children'; they have reached a developmental stage that requires a different strategic approach to recruitment, retention, marketing, staff interaction, use of space and programming. Diversity/Cultural Celebrations aims to promote and enhance diversity and combat and prevent prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. The strategy builds the capacity of the local Club to help their members and community appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals, understand diversity in society, recognize bias and unfairness and take personal leadership in confronting bias. Partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River, City of Elk River Parks and Recreation & community leaders will benefit community members through a wide range of opportunities.