The Boys and Girls Clubs of The Western Reserve

I love the Club. The Christmas gifts were awesome. I got to go to my first hockey game at the Quicken Loans arena. What a blast! Thank you so much for all you do! ... Read More

We know that one idea can spark the imagination of a child. We are committed to igniting that spark!

Room To Grow

Opened in October 2007, the new 12,000-square foot Arlington Club features a technology center, homework space, art room, gym, lunch room, kitchen, and stage. The Arlington Club replaces the Barrett Club, which maintained the longest waiting list for kids to join. The Club allows members to learn life skills, access the Internet, perform theater, create artwork and music videos, as well as participate on sports teams. The Arlington Club accommodates up to 120 kids a day—triple the number served at Barrett—and is a positive, youth-oriented hub of activity for the neighborhood. The capital campaign goal for the design, construction, furnishing, and expanded operations of the Arlington Club is $1 million, and more than 85% is committed or pledged!

A Place to Belong

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve serve more than 800 at-risk youth at three Clubs in inner-city Akron, one in Ravenna, partnerships with Akron After School, the GirlPower! program for girls ages 9-13 in local schools, and a Saturday Club in conjunction with the Knight Foundation for Simon Perkins Middle School students. The Clubs offer positive youth development programs, and serve snacks and meals daily to ensure balanced nutrition for members. National statistics indicate students from high poverty areas are at a greater risk educationally of low performance and of dropping out of school. Students without access to quality after-school programs face increased chances of using drugs, becoming teen parents, as well as experience poorer academic performances, and behavior and attendance challenges. Boys & Girls Clubs help young people succeed in school, stay healthy, learn life skills, pursue arts and sports, and explore career choices. Most importantly, Clubs show kids that someone cares and wants them to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Previous government funding has nearly ceased. Clubs annually must raise the money necessary to keep doors open and programs running. The annual campaign goal is $1 million over five years to allow continuity and growth of programs, reach more at-risk kids, and increase awareness of the Clubs.

A Club of Their Own

The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs is intent on securing the future of the agency by establishing an endowment fund to help support the dreams and aspirations of generations of the area’s youth. The endowment is an investment in the future success of the entire region and its interest income will help with operations at all of the Clubs. The endowment goal is $3 million. In 2006, an anonymous donor made a $200,000 lead gift to establish the endowment. Housed at the Akron Community Foundation, the endowment is a vital tool for management and growth of the organization. The Boys & Girls Clubs are poised for a deeper impact on the area’s at-risk youth by providing safe, positive environments where kids can have fun and experience supportive, caring relationships. Clubs also open young minds to broader opportunities and greater expectations. At the Clubs, we know that one idea can spark the imagination of a child.

Will you join us in igniting that spark?