TAYLOR, TX — FEBRUARY 19, 2019 — This action by the TISD Board represents the culmination of months of hard work by local civic leaders, but the real work has only just begun. Our goal – to open the doors of BGC-EWC by August 2019 – can only be achieved if all individuals, businesses and stakeholders with an interest in the future of our youth step forward and exercise financial leadership by investing in our new Club.
Local youth are currently facing new levels of adversity and challenges every day. Boys & Girls Clubs are equipped to help the local youth overcome the obstacles life throws their way and set them on a path to a Great Future. Community involvement in crucial in allowing youth to reach their highest potential. According to a national survey, young people who attend the Club regularly tend to do better than their peers across the country. For instance:
- 91% of Club ninth graders report abstaining from alcohol, compared to 77% of ninth graders nationally
- 91% of Club ninth graders report abstaining from marijuana use, compared to 85% of ninth graders nationally
- 27% of Club girls in middle school are physically active each day, compared to 23% nationally. 42% of Club boys in middle school are physically active each day, compared to 37% nationally.
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation is, “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.” Boys & Girls Club of East Williamson County, a newly incorporated 501c3, will be led by a staff of youth development professionals and governed by a locally controlled board of directors. Starting in August, the Club will operate Monday – Friday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm for a one-time annual membership fee of only $25.
Local youth ages 6-18 get the opportunity to engage in fun and productive activities every day at the Club. Healthy snacks and warm meals are also provided on a daily basis. Dedicated and trained staff will provide a consistent positive environment while providing nationally tested enrichment programs that cover a wide range of interests. The curriculum is centered on three priority outcomes: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Good Character & Leadership.
The Boys & Girls Club of East Williamson County will operate as an entity of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. This large organization has Club sites in Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Georgetown, Harker Heights, Killeen, Lampasas, Marlin, Nolanville and Waco. Collectively, these areas serve 12,400 members over approximately 5,700 square miles throughout the counties.
Over the coming months, the Club will publicly share a variety of updates about the development of the Boys & Girls Club of East Williamson County, fundraising opportunities & events and other significant progress. If you are interested in supporting the Club with a donation, you can visit
www.bgceastwilco.org or text “4ACHANGE” to 43506. With the help of others, we can work together to make our community better for our current and future citizens.