That was the dilemma facing the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Many of the children are from low-income families, often unable to afford even a Christmas tree.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Our Mission:
To save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive, and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures.
Our Vision for 2020:
Through successful partnerships and collaborations, ensure that 90% of the youth being served three days or more per week are on track to graduate on time, live healthy lifestyles and give back to their community.
Why Great Futures Start Here:
For more than 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has delivered on our promise to provide at-risk metro area youth with the support needed to reach their full potential. BGCMA has a proven and effective approach: provide disadvantaged youth with a positive, accessible place to go; surround them with trained and supportive staff; and offer results-oriented programs that are educational, recreational and age-appropriate.
We operate 25 full-time Clubs in 10 metro counties, in addition to Camp Kiwanis, a year-round residence camp that provides a positive, challenging outdoor experience to the youth we serve. Historically, BGCMA has purposefully located Clubs in areas of high need in order to have the greatest impact on the lives of at-risk youth. Currently we serve over 3,500 children and teens each day, many of whom are minorities, economically disadvantaged and live in single-parent households.
BGCMA's goal is to deliver programs that create happy and healthy children today, while building a foundation of success for tomorrow – impact for a better future. This begins with the imperative to provide a safe environment that keeps kids engaged, active and happy in the hours after school, during vacation periods and throughout the summer months. Research shows that during periods of idleness and boredom, kids are vulnerable to peer pressure, violence and other risky activities. The risks are even higher for children from disadvantaged circumstances. We minimize those risks by engaging young people in activities with positive adult role models and peers, enabling them to learn powerful life skills.
