6.2. SR 07-21-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Organization Information A. Organization history The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River-Elk River Branch was formed in 1999, which serves youth in the City and local communities. 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, stafftraining, and some pass-through funding. Unlike many similar agencies, Boys & Girls Clubs have always focused their service in the areas of greatest need. For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River, these areas include Lion's Park, Trout Brook, School Street, apartment complexes and low income sections. Each year more than one thousand young people residing in these neighborhoods participate in programming at the Clubs' two city sites. Typically looking for a safe and fun place to spend time with their friends, these youth are rewarded with much more when they become Club members. In addition to recreation, they find programs that help them succeed in school, learn new skills, and make positive life choices. In the Clubs' trained staff and volunteers, members encounter role models who care about them. Hidden talents are soon discovered, and young people without previous thoughts of the future begin to look ahead to next month's performance, to activities at the Club, and even to an adult caxeer. B. Mission and goals 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. The organization provides diverse programs, a safe environment, and wrap- around support for six- to eighteen-year-olds living in targeted neighborhoods. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River expects to serve over one thousand youth members this year. Current goals and objectives for the organization include maintaining adequate staffing, finances, and quality programs to meet increasing demands for its services; and continuing to engage the Clubs' active board. Staff, board, program volunteers, and youth members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River also continue to work through action plans identified in the organization's 2008-2010 strategic plan. Developed with the input of a wide variety of organization stakeholders, the plan defines five areas of focus: organization growth, targeted funding, budget process, board development and ensure safe environment. C. Current program The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River provides programs year round. The Clubs sites are open Monday through Friday, with special weekend programs occasionally offered. Programs are offered from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session. Seven a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months last year. This year however our organization will strive to provide service from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Throughout the year, additional traveling sport teams, environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities are provided for members outside of the organization's sites. A youth development strategy that fosters the senses of belonging, competence, usefulness, and influence underlies all of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elk River 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 are enhanced by specialized initiatives of Family Support and Gang PreventionlIntervention through Targeted Outreach, which are offered locally to meet identified needs.