2024 Impact Report
In 2024, you helped us serve so many children and teens throughout Portage County.
A Message from our CEO
In 2024, your support helped us serve over 1,800 children and teens throughout Portage County, providing them with a safe and positive place where they can grow, learn, and thrive.
Thanks to you, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County continues to be a place that fills the gap between school and home, offering a foundation of safety, fun, and growth. Your generosity allows us to keep membership fees affordable for families while ensuring that all children and teens have access to high-quality programs, meaningful relationships, and a supportive environment where they can excel.
Together, we’re building on a Strong Foundation for an Even Stronger Future, and we’re excited for what’s ahead as we continue to empower the next generation. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!
Danielle Belsky
Chief Executive Officer
By the Numbers
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County fills the gap between school and home. For a nominal fee, we provide welcoming, safe, and positive environments in which children and teens have fun, participate in high-quality programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults.
1,808
Total Club
Members Served
(328 were Teens)
87,277
Free, Healthy Meals were Served to
Club Members
1,073
Youth Served in our YouthForce Program
232
Caring Staff Employed at the Club
Areas of Impact
Food Service
Approximately 55% of the youth we serve qualify for the free and reduced-price school lunch program.
By providing free, healthy dinners to their children, BGC can substantially reduce household expenses for these families. This financial relief will allow families to allocate funds to other essential needs, such as utilities, housing, or healthcare.
19,635
Dinners Served
47,167
Snacks Served
20,475
Breakfasts & Lunches
Academics
Boys & Girls Clubs’ academic enrichment experiences, such as high-yield learning activities and games, and support in the form of targeted tutoring and homework assistance help youth perform well academically.
1,023
Youth Participated in Power Hour
985
Youth Participated in STEAM
443
Youth Participated in our Summer Reading Enrichment Program
YouthForce
YouthForce programs help Portage County teens and youth explore potential careers and post-secondary education options, obtain their first job, and develop skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace.
175+
Teens Attended our YouthForce Job Fair
20
Career Camps with
140 Participants
78
Junior Staff
80
Teens Earned Certifications
(Safe Sitter, ServSafe Food Handler, or UPS Road Code)
Delta Dental Smile Club
The Smile Club is a one-chair dental clinic located inside the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County’s Berard Center. Smile Club serves children who are in need of a dental home, have no insurance, or have Medicaid coverage, all at no charge to families.
415
Dental Appointments
214
New Patients in 2024
Our Mission & Values
To inspire and empower our youth to realize their full potential.
Our Values:
- Fun
- Inclusive
- Responsive
- Safe
- Trustworthy
