2010 Annual Report
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2010 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Dear Friends, We say it all the time: “You’ve got to see a Club!” We hear it all the time: “I had no idea!” It’s a recurring affirmation that – in the prelude of our 50th year – is particularly meaningful as we are reminded of our ability to still surprise and inspire. We now hold a distinction beyond our footprint, beyond our scope, and beyond our impact. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver has now reached both a notable milestone and – more importantly – an exciting point of departure. It bears noting that our 2010 Report to the Community comes on the heels of one of the most daunting economic challenges our organization – and our nation – has ever faced. Yet through the resolve of our leadership, and the remarkable loyalty and generosity of friends like you, we impacted a growing number of children through more program hours in expanded facilities. Not many organizations increased services in the past two years, but in 2010 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver registered more than 10,000 kids (an all-time high), opened a new school-based site in Jefferson County, launched updated technology programs and expanded space for teens. These recent accomplishments – along with our longevity – are testament to a number of critical factors: • The needs of children within our community are increasing. • Our Clubs provide safe, supportive environments along with enriching programs for kids in need. • Engagement, commitment and generosity of volunteers, partners and donors are the foundation upon which all of our work is carried out. These factors were true in 1961, when Denver’s first Club opened its doors. And these factors remained unchanged in 2010. Now, on our point of departure, as we embark upon a new decade of bettering the lives of our community’s children, we owe a special debt of gratitude to all of those who have invested in kids by investing in Boys & Girls Clubs. Through your help, our Clubs will continue to surprise and inspire countless more young people. With gratitude, we are proud to present to you our 2010 Report to the Community. John P. Arigoni Thomas R. O’Donnell President & CEO Chairman of the Board dedicated youth facilities competency Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is Clubs are neighborhood-based Boys & Girls Clubs programs are The feeling there is something boys a non-profit organization that provides buildings designed solely for youth rooted in the Youth Development and girls can do well. young people ages 6-18 with a safe programs and activities. Strategy, which assures that all and positive place to spend their time members have positive experiences usefulness after school and in the summer. Nine open when needed most that build self-esteem. The opportunity to do something of neighborhood Clubs and an 80-acre Clubs are open after school and during value for other people. residential camp provide programs that the summer when kids have free time Our Youth Development Strategy is help more than 10,000 youth achieve and need positive, productive outlets. a strength-based approach whereby belonging academic success, live healthy lifestyles we nurture each member’s individual A setting where young people know and develop good character and staffed by professionals strengths. In doing so, we nurture they are accepted. leadership skills. Clubs are strategically Clubs are directed by trained youth the positive identity of each of our located in low-income neighborhoods development professionals who act as members, providing opportunities for influence and are accessible to all youth for an role models and mentors. them to succeed in everything they do, A chance to be heard and make an annual membership fee of just $2. accessible to everyone inside and outside of the Club. impact in the lives of others. Since 1961, the Boys & Girls Clubs Any young person, regardless of of Metro Denver has been helping gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, kids from tough neighborhoods stay or income can join the Club. out of trouble, stay in school and succeed in life. proven programs Our programs develop the assets that youth need to succeed in life. who we are how we help opportunities & expectations Boys & Girls Clubs are charged with At our Clubs, members acquire deepening their impact on the young diversified skills that open their lives people they serve. to a world of new possibilities in the context of moral character and These key elements drive all of our ethical behavior. efforts to have a lasting impact on youth. recognition Clubs prominently recognize the safe, positive environments accomplishments of members with Staff, facilities, program offerings incentives and awards, thereby and age-appropriate settings produce affirming an intrinsic sense of self-worth continuity, predictability and a sense of and achievement. safety. Clubs set clear and consistently enforced rules that provide structure fun and define acceptable behaviors. Clubs generate happiness, fun and enjoyment for members. Members supportive relationships develop a strong sense of belonging We cultivate relationships by through personal connections they demonstrating warmth, caring, establish with staff and their peers. appreciation and guidance when interacting with members. In doing so, we ensure that members forge friendships not only with peers, but also with adults. key elements keystone club service to the community Keystone Club is a small group Service-learning combines service leadership program for Boys & Girls projects with structured opportunities for Club members 14-18 years old. personal reflection on the experience. Keystone Clubs are designed to help This includes debriefing on projects and teen members become more productive creating an understanding about the citizens and future leaders. Members impact the project has on others and the elect their own officers and plan and community. Service-learning engages implement activities and initiatives youth on both academic and civic levels in three areas: Service to Club and by building community engagement Community, Academic Success and and strong character. In 2010, the Career Preparation. Torch & Keystone members together torch club completed 5,827 hours of service. Torch Clubs are small group leadership youth of the year and service clubs for boys and An annual recognition and awards girls 10-13 years old that focus on program acknowledging outstanding character development. Torch Club members, the Youth of the Year program members work together on projects that develops leadership and communication fall within four areas: Service to the through an extensive application and Club and Community, Health & Fitness, interview process. Club winners in both Education and Social Recreation. junior and senior categories go on to compete citywide. Local winners have youth for unity the opportunity to progress through This program, designed to educate state and regional competitions and youth about the importance of ultimately receive national recognition tolerance and diversity, offers sessions for their academic accomplishments, on appreciating and understanding service to their Club and community diversity, recognizing unfairness and ability to overcome challenges. and taking personal responsibility in confronting prejudice. character & leadership project learn money matters This comprehensive program strategy This program promotes financial reinforces and enhances the skills responsibility and independence. and knowledge young people learn Participants learn how to manage a at school during the hours they spend checking account, generate a budget, at the Club. Project Learn is based research savings and investment options on Dr. Reginald Clark’s research and create a plan to pay for college. showing that students do much better in school when they spend their non- state education day school hours engaged in fun, but This annual springtime event provides academically beneficial, activities. an opportunity for Club members Through Project Learn, Club staff to participate in a fun competition create high-yield learning activities, where they meet members from which include leisure reading, around Colorado who share their writing activities, discussions with appreciation for academics. In 2010, knowledgeable adults, homework help members prepared for three months to and educational games that reinforce compete in the following categories: learning. Geography, Science, Spelling, Math accelerated reader and Trivia. A year-round program that utilizes This core program is proudly sponsored by: Renaissance Learning software, this program keeps kids’ reading levels on track throughout the school year and summer break. Kids advance with clear benchmarks and take short quizzes to confirm their comprehension before progressing to the next level. Members receive incentives for their participation and success. education & careers smart moves growing up smart This nationally acclaimed comprehensive This program is designed to address prevention program helps young people non-sexual issues of adolescent life resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug by enabling young people to make use, as well as premature sexual activity. healthy life choices; supporting their Engaging, interactive, small group passage into a positive adulthood and activities are designed to increase peer assisting youth in developing healthy support, build resiliency and strengthen interpersonal relationships. leadership skills. 9 health fair smart-girl Two Club locations hosted the 9 Health An activity-based