Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem

Today, more than 800 young people at risk and in need are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. Over 85% of our Club members receive free or reduced lunch at school. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. To make sure that all of our members have great futures, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem Board of Directors has adopted the Formula for Impact, a research-based theory of change that describes how a Club can increase its impact exponentially on the young people it serves. Our Formula begins with the young people in our Club especially those who need us most. It calls for us to consistently provide the most powerful Club Experience possible by implementing the Key Elements for Positive Youth Development - fun - safe and positive environment - relationships with professional and caring adults - high expectations and challenging programming - high-yield activities and targeted programs - incentives and rewards Our Club members who are ages 8 through 18 pay no more than $25 registration fee per school year to participate in all Club activities and programs. Therefore, we rely heavily on the generosity and support of our community and have service marked with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the phrase, "Powered by the Community".The only mandatory program is Power Hour where staff and volunteers mobilize to help members with their homework, make sure that it is done correctly, and that it is in the school bag all ready for the next day at school. Beyond Power Hour, members may choose from a broad array of programming. Examples include Robotics, Dance, Creative Writing, Puppet Theater, Drama, Yoga and many gym activities. Members may try out for competitive travelling athletic teams such as basketball where they play teams from other Boys & Girls Clubs from Nashua, NH to Brockton, MA.Since implementation of the Formula for Impact, we are beginning to measure not only outputs but also outcomes in order to show the true impact of our dedication to youth.