Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area

the Club, founded in 2003, serves youth in a city where 28 percent live at or below the poverty level (and in a county where 18.9 percent of people live at these levels), a real life circumstances for over 8300 humans and far greater that the 9 percent statewide. Beltrami county ranked #2 in overall poverty and #2 in children/youth poverty (out of 87 counties), which is a harsh reality for community youth. (source: census data). Club staff focus on getting children on track academically, socially, and emotionally, while helping them build self-confidence and leadership skills. Throughout the fiscal year of july 2022-june 2023, the Club served 268 elementary children and 62 middle and high school teens. the 330 unduplicated children and teen count represent a 41% over last year (234 youth), still less than the pre-pandemic membership of 400 youth. However, the slightly lower membership numbers allowed for strategic and intentional efforts to build back membership while maintaining strong relationships. By the numbers: the number of Club members from families at or below the poverty level increased from 53 percent in 2019 to 64 percent in 2022/2023. Club members identify 55.5 percent are people of color (predominantly indigenous/american indian, 26 percent, and two or more races, 24 percent) and as white, 44.5 percent. Nearly 30 percent come from single-parent households with 64 percent who qualify for free & reduced meals. the Club continued to deliver affordable programs on a drop-in basis to youth after school, times when youth are more likely to be on their own and in need of positive opportunities to engage in meaningful experiences. Funding: the Club funds its mission through private donations, community businesses, private and corporate foundations, and government grants. Before the pandemic, more than 75 percent of funding came from individual and business donors and local foundations. Funding sources were skewed in 2020-2022 and continue to be in 2022-2023 as the Club applied for and received one-time grants and pandemic relief programs to support youth who fell through the cracks during the pandemic who still need extra academic, social & emotional supports that the Club offers. Mission and signficant activities: although the Club serves hundreds of children annually, the focus is on each, individual child. the Club builds relationships that help youth discover their own potential and recognize themselves as valuable and integral members of the community. the staff knows each Club member by name. Those teens and children most in need work individually with trained mentors.programming focuses on building academic success, helping youth adopt healthy lifestyles and growing into caring and responsible citizens. One of the most popular Club programs is its comprehensive gardening program that includes a high tunnel/greenhouse, twenty raised beds, outdoor patio for washing produce and dining, along with a pergola for a shaded educational space. the Club has four hydroponic gardening systems, providing fresh produce for Club youth, their family, and the broader community. Also, teens have their own teen center within the club.academic success: all Club youth are encouraged to set academic goals, graduate from high school, and consider post-secondary education or job training. Club members spend at least 30 minutes daily doing homework at the Club, reading quietly, playing educational games like math dodge ball, or working with a tutor. Children who struggle with reading work with reading tutors or participate in the Bemidji Area canine reading program, allowing them to read to specially trained dogs. Youth also have access to a computer lab, art room, Club library, and stem activities. Club members can compete annually in a national fine arts contest. Healthy lifestyles: Club youth are encouraged to engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, avoid harmful activities such as drug and alcohol use, set personal goals and grow into self-sufficient adults by participating in daily physical activity, making healthy food choices, and developing an appreciation for the outdoors. the Club serves a healthy, nutritious after-school snack and lunch in the summertime. Club youth have their own garden and outdoor learning center where they grow and learn to prepare fresh produce, host their own farmer's market for Club families and prepare an annual community harvest dinner. Good character and citizenship: Club youth focus on community service volunteering at the Club and in the community. Service builds leadership skills, community connections and a sense of well-being. Every year, Club teens vie for youth of the year with the chance to compete at the state, regional and national level, and earn a scholarship. Club youth of all ages receive recognition for positive behavior. Club youth are engaged in club-based or community service projects through key community partnerships and community-wide events.