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$25,000 grant will expand programs at the Massena Boys and Girls Club

Posted 8/8/17

MASSENA -- Boys & Girls Club of Massena recently received $25,000 to expand their offerings, providing additional community benefit through a new program called “Embracing Possibilities: Ready, …

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$25,000 grant will expand programs at the Massena Boys and Girls Club

Posted

MASSENA -- Boys & Girls Club of Massena recently received $25,000 to expand their offerings, providing additional community benefit through a new program called “Embracing Possibilities: Ready, Set, Go!”

Boys & Girls Club of Massena will kick-off the school year with daily afterschool programming for all school-aged youth (K – 12) in their new clubhouse.

The goal of this program is getting community youth excited about their futures through cultural exposure and opportunity. “Many of our kids here in the rural north lack travel and cultural exposure and that can create a sense of hopelessness,” Boys & Girls Club of Massena Chief Professional Officer Debra Donatto said in a prepared statement. “Over the past three years, we have seen a growing apathy in our kids, especially those who lack opportunity. We want them to visualize a successful future, build a plan of action, and then we will guide them to take proactive steps toward achieving their goals.”

The grant funding allows for field trip opportunities to nearby metropolitan cities, like Ottawa and Montreal, which are alive with industry and opportunity. Club members will also visit local universities to learn about different majors and career options, and participate in on-site workshops that introduce them to new things.

The funding, which came from the Alcoa Foundation, will additionally allow for special programs during non-club hours. Plans are in the works to offer Open Mic Nights, Gamer Nights, videogame competitions, themed movie nights, teen dances and other specialized clubs, such as a Banned Book Club, fashion design club and cooking club.

Parents will also be offered monthly workshops to help their kids in college-readiness, workforce development, and self-reliance. BGCM has identified several areas where added emphasis is needed to benefit youth. Some of these areas include: Setting goal & expectations, writing resumes, interviewing, SAT readiness, scholarship and grant availability & application, driver’s education, monetary management, creating college portfolios, the FAFSA (and the requirement for Parent Plus loan application in the financial aid process). BGCM believes in building a solid support team for children including teachers, parents and club staff.

BGCM will sponsor Family Fun nights to increase participation from families while providing an opportunity for staff to connect with parents. “Through engaging parents in their children’s successes, we hope to inspire broader change,” says Donatto, “This program falls right in-line with the Massena School District’s Community Schools program and the People Project - which is preparing youth for their eventual economic security, overcoming obstacles and ending generational poverty.”

The funding will also offer opportunity for inclusion through Embracing Possibilities: Ready, Set, Go! According to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 In 7 U.S. kids have a developmental disability, including autism and ADHD. The Embracing Possibilities program will introduce programs and supports that are tailored for kids with disabilities and their families. These opportunities will take place during regular Club hours and at additional times.

Superheroes allows kids with disabilities (unable to attend BGCM without additional supervision) a chance to participate in an inclusive setting through peer-support. The funding will also allow for Inclusive Fitness programs including Zumba, martial arts and dance for all youth, and parent support workshops to learn about NYS supports and services and how to navigate through CSE meetings with the school district in requesting accommodations and modifications for their children.