COMMUNITY & CULTURE
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St . Louis
This year marks the 50th year for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St . Louis , which was founded to create a safe , positive space for disadvantaged children when they need it most – after school and during summer break .
“ The riskiest time of day for children and youth isn ’ t the middle of the night , it is right after school ,” said club spokesperson Shuntae Ryan . “ Juvenile violence peaks during the hours between 3 and 7 p . m . In cities across the country , 11.3 million children are left unattended after school every day , increasing their involvement in delinquent behaviors like drug , alcohol and sexual experimentation .”
Ryan added that under the leadership of longtime president Flint Fowler , the club has expanded to serve children at seven St . Louis locations and within several area elementary schools . Today , 6,500 children , including 4,500 registered club members , come from more than 90 zip codes to take part in the club ’ s programs .
“ All our programs are laser-focused on three key areas : Academic success , good character and citizenship , and healthy lifestyles ,” Ryan explained . The hope is for every student to graduate from high school and to have the ability to map out a rewarding future . To achieve this , youngsters can become members for as little as $ 25 a year and have access to homework assistance , tutoring , and college and career planning , as well as sports , recreational activities , access to transportation , free dental and vision care , and healthy meals .
The numbers tell the story - 99 percent of teens in the program expect to complete high school ; 90 percent expect to go on to postsecondary education ; 95 percent abstained from cigarette smoking ; and 85 percent abstained from drinking , Ryan noted .
“ Every child who comes through the door is treasured , respected and supported by caring adults to grasp a new reality that success is within their reach ,” she said .
MISSION : To inspire and enable youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential as productive , responsible and caring citizens . HISTORY : The Herbert Hoover Boys Club was founded on the site of Sportsman ’ s Park in 1967 . At the urging of then Globe Democrat publisher Richard Amberg , the property was donated by August A . Busch , Jr . and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery after the St . Louis Cardinals moved to the new downtown stadium . Amberg then launched a capital campaign to maintain the building and fund the club ’ s programs . The organization was named after President Hoover - a personal friend of Amberg , and a longtime national chairman of the Boys Clubs of America - who spent his post-White House years helping at-risk youngsters . In 2012 , the club became the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St . Louis to reflect the organization ’ s growth . HOW YOU CAN HELP : To volunteer or make a donation , call ( 314 ) 335-8000 or visit bgcstl . org .
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