Picture youth in a safe environment: playing games, getting homework help, having someone listen to them. These are just a few of the things that our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County provides for our youth. On May 23, 2024, meet some of the Club youth and learn about the exciting things happening at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County’s free Foundation for the Future Breakfast – yes, there will be bacon!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, a Second Home for Many Youth
“Club alumni have said the Club was a second family to them,” shares Shellica Trevino, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “We are there for youth when their families are working, looking for employment/housing, or accessing other basic needs. Our Clubs fill a gap for families in supporting their kids and teens when they need it most.”
At the eight locations throughout Thurston County, youth have access to many activities and support programs. Games rooms, computer labs, art rooms and academic tutoring are just a few of the things. Clubs also have outdoor spaces for kids to hang out and play in the fresh air. Above all, they are a safe and welcoming space for all youth.
Between the locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County serve over 1,500 youth annually and are growing rapidly. “Our Clubs are experiencing growth post-COVID,” Shellica shares. “In 2023, our Club membership grew by 453 youth! We anticipate this growth trend continuing and in order for us to answer the call, we need support from the community.”
Support comes in the form of in-kind and monetary donations. Donations keep their fees low and allow them to offer fee waiver scholarships for more than half of the youth served, this includes support of unhoused youth, who receive a 100% fee waiver scholarship.
Learn about the Boys & Girls Clubs Impact at the Foundation for the Future Breakfast
On May 23, 2024, head to Saint Martin’s University at 7:30 a.m. for a free scrumptious breakfast and a morning filled with encouragement as you learn about the impact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County has on our youth. Club members have been hard at work creating artwork and table centerpieces. They will be there to welcome you as you walk through the door, lead the pledge of allegiance and play music while you enjoy your breakfast…did we mention there was bacon?
While the event is free, they hope you will be inspired to donate to allow the Club to continue to be accessible to all. “Dollars raised at the breakfast make our programs accessible to all youth, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status,” says Shellica. These include their Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Good Character and Leadership programs. “By attending the event and donating you are showing up for youth in our community and you will make a lasting impact on their lives.”
One of the highlights of the breakfast is getting to hear the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County’s Youth of the Year Keoni Borja, speak and emcee the event. You will also learn about the programs available to the kids at the various Club locations. Parents may share the impact the Club has had on their youth.
“Our Clubs fill a gap for families in supporting their kids and teens when they need it most,” explains Shellica. “At the Club members have access to caring adult mentors who are ready to help them with their homework, teach them to play a game, listen to them when they are struggling, feed them when they are hungry, and help them gain coping skills when things in their lives are hard. The Clubs are fun, they provide supportive relationships, and we recognize the accomplishments of youth, giving them access to life-changing programs where great futures can be imagined and ultimately lived out.”
Register for the event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website. There is no cost to attend. You can also email Tami Collins, director of resource development at tcollins@bgctc.org or call 360.956.0755 with questions or to become an event sponsor. Can’t make the event, you can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County anytime on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website.
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future,” said John F. Kennedy. Help ensure a bright and prosperous future at the 2024 Foundations for the Future Breakfast.
