Compassionate Capitalism - March 2002

Boys & Girls Clubs

A Positive Place for Kids

by Kathleen Foley

In every community, there are boys and girls who are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets, and an increasing number of children are left at home with no adult care or supervision. Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Nevada offer a safe place to go after school or during school vacations – a place to learn and grow while having fun. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of children by offering encouragement, helping with schoolwork, providing positive adult role models and giving kids a sense of belonging and self-esteem. The slogan of the national organization is "The Positive Place For Kids."

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to help all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. More than 2,300 clubs serve some 3 million young people throughout the U.S. and on military bases around the world, providing opportunities that change lives and create the productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Results of independent studies dramatically demonstrate that club experience gives children advantages that last a lifetime. More than half the alumni recently surveyed say the Boys & Girls Club saved their lives. Alumni from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds strongly emphasize the positive impact of clubs. In neighborhoods with strong Boys & Girls Clubs, the incidences of teen pregnancy and substance abuse are cut by as much as 50 percent. Kids who belong to a Boys & Girls Club have a better chance of completing school than kids who don’t.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas serves more than 11,000 youngsters ages 6 to 18 through its 12 facilities in Southern Nevada. Its locations in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Green Valley and Moapa provide a safe haven for kids to go after school, during track breaks and all summer long. It has special programs for teens, including gang prevention and a special youth-run business enterprise to teach disadvantaged teens how to operate their own company.

The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows was formed in 1976 by local citizens concerned about the increase in juvenile problems associated with the rapid growth in the area. Membership to the club is only $15 annually.  This fee includes after-school programs, busing from over 47 area schools and a nutritious meal served every day. No child is ever turned away for financial reasons. The club also has a summer day camp. It has over 2,000 registered members and more than 300 youths attend its three facilities on a daily basis.

Business people may volunteer to serve on a board or committee, provide financial assistance, or help with fundraising events. Contact a Boys & Girls Club in your community and see how you can get involved in its programs to provide "A Positive Place for Kids."

Boulder City Boys & Girls Club 702-294-0885

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada (Carson City) 775-882-8820

Boys & Girls Club of Henderson 702-565-6568

Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas 702-367-2582

Nellis Air Force Base Youth Center 702-652-8706

Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows 775-331-3605

Boys & Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe 916-542-0838

Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe  530-546-4324  

Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley (Yerington) 775-463-2334

Kathleen Foley
Kathleen Foley is a freelance writer based in Southern Nevada.