Boys & Girls Clubs Fill A Critical Need
Boys & Girls Clubs build character
through everyday leadership and guidance in behavior and attitude. Young people of all ethnicities, races and creeds join together in wholesome recreation and leadership.
Trained professional staff provide positive adult
mentors and role models. Nationally recognized programs help young people succeed in school,
stay healthy, learn important life skills, pursue interests in the arts and sports, and explore vocational choices.
Most importantly, the Boys & Girls Club
shows youngsters that someone cares,
wants them to realize their full potential
and to BE GREAT!
On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, I respectfully request that you please consider making a gift to our Great Futures Annual Campaign. Your investment will be used to help the more than 1,200 youth that we serve annually develop confidence and hope, and most importantly, a Great Future. Funds from the campaign will be used for various program related operating needs.
Who We Are
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend is more than an after-school program. We are a life-changing, and often, a life-saving program. We have a bold vision that: success is within the reach of every child; and every child who enters our doors will be on track to graduate from high school with a plan for their future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. We believe every girl and boy deserves a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, character and confidence-building experiences, with hope and opportunity for their future.
Since opening our doors in 1992, we have served tens of thousands of children and youth. We currently have more than 1,200 registered members in seven different Club locations: 4 in Leon County and 3 in Gadsden County. We serve hundreds of members every day, Monday – Friday and on some Saturday’s for special events.
Did You Know
* We have more than 1,200 registered members
* Approximately 300 youth ages 6 - 18 are served on a daily basis
* 73% of our Club members are from single parent households
* 88% of our Club members live at or below the poverty level
* 97% of our Club members were promoted to the next grade level at the end of the 2015/2016 school year
* We currently have 5 Club members attending college on a scholarship
Florida TaxWatch Study Findings (2013)
According to a 2013 Florida TaxWatch Study conducted on Florida Boys & Girls Clubs: “They make a positive impact on their participants’ academic performance and juvenile justice avoidance which helps mold productive and responsible citizens that give back to the state of Florida. (The Clubs’) FCAT achievements, low absenteeism, grade promotion, low dropout rate and avoiding contact with the juvenile justice system are all associated with a higher likelihood of Club members completing high school…which has significant effects on the individual taxpayers in general.” Highlights of the study:
* Club members dropout rate was significantly lower
* Club members had a higher percentage of grade promotion
* Club members were less likely to get involved in the juvenile court system
* Taxpayers realize a $5,000 cost-avoidance per youth who is diverted from criminal activities
* Taxpayers realize a savings of $46,305 for each youth that is diverted from incarceration