The most influential time in a child's life is… The time between 3 and 8 p.m.
Why After-School Programs?
Statistics from the F.B.I and Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention show during the hours of 3-8 p.m. the rate of juvenile crime triples and there's a significant increase in crimes committed against young people.
Positively, as noted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, students who spend no time in after-school activities are:
· 57% more likely to drop out of school by senior year
· 49% more likely to use drugs
· 37% more likely to become teen parents
The need for after-school programs crosses all socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic groups.
Prevention vs. Cure
Incarceration of youth in a detention center can cost up to $60,000 a year, however, membership for an entire year at the Boys & Girls Club costs only $25.00.! As former Secretary of State Colin Powell stated, "We need to build less jails and more Boys & Girls Clubs."
What Can a Boys & Girls Club Do?
Become the alternative to violence and crime. Be open every day after school and all non-school days. Provide a safe, supervised facility built just for youth to engage in positive activities. Provide trained professional staff to work with you on a daily basis. Provide a program that is affordable to all children.
What Our Programs Achieve
Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys & girls by instilling:
· A sense of competence
· A sense of usefulness
· A sense of belonging
· A sense of power of influence
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