From the Stevens Point Journal (10/2/2014)

“The United Way of Portage County Campaign is in full swing. It’s always exciting to see the Portage County community rallying together to improve people’s lives and strengthen this community through this campaign. As a partner agency of United Way, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is appreciative of the significant funding we receive to achieve our goals throughout the year.

Through United Way funding, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is able to provide critical afterschool and summer programming to underserved youth of rural communities and dedicated specific programs to teens. These children and young adults have unique needs and they are able to realize a special benefit from these targeted programs.

Youth in the Almond-Bancroft area face challenges being in a small, rural community. These children have limited opportunities for tutoring assistance, homework help, physical and social activities, and family enrichment programs. Many face economic disadvantages, with 58 percent of students from this area on the free- and reduced-lunch program. With the help of United Way, the Almond-Bancroft school District and the recently received 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLC) grant, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County has been able to address many of these needs and make a positive impact in the lives of these youth and this community, providing opportunities that would not otherwise exist.

We are excited going into this new school year without our United Way funding and CLC grant to provide program additional and enhancements to include: transportation home from the Club, longer Club hours, serving first- through 12th -graders, access to the Club on Fridays, onsite teaching staff and tutoring, specialized English Language Learners programming for youths and families, additional space, more staff and volunteer mentors, and more.

While the Boys & Girls Club serves youths of all ages it is our strong belief that young people ages 13 to 18 encounter unique and new challenges as they transition to adulthood. As teens become more independent, they are more likely to face temptations and often look outside their families for guidance and encouragement. For this reason, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County offers a Teen Center as a safe, supportive environment with growth opportunities designed specifically for this age group. Support from United Way allows the Teen Center to provide structured academic and life skills programs focused on helping teens achieve their educational goals and prepare for life as adults. United Way funding has helped our Teen Center expand its reach to serve more young people through a Homework Center at P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, recreational programming at the stevens Point Recreation Center, as well as developing a mentoring and support program at Stevens Point Area Senior High.

With financial assistance from United Way and other contributors, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is able to keep annual membership costs to just $10 per youth. This ensures that programs and facilities are accessible to all; after all, today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow.

Please consider supporting the United Way by advocating or volunteering – Live United!”

Kevin Quevillon is executive director for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.