Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

Hello Boys & Girls Club families! High school services will be updated beginning February 1st, in coordination with SPS's plan for 9-12 grade seated students. Please see updated operations plan, effective February 1st, 2021.

What first began in 1926 as a weeklong festivity, inspired local celebrations nationwide and grew into the month long acknowledgment we recognize today. Black History Month is the annual celebration of the achievements of African Americans and their vital role in American History. This week, Club members learned about the origination of Black History Month and its significance, they decorated classroom doors with beautiful commemorative images; they made freedom quilts and le...arned about slaves who persevered through and out of oppression. They became educated on the lives of several Black heroes- namely, Harriet Tubman and the incredible history of the Underground Railroad. They learned about creatives like artist Aaron Douglas, and comic illustrator Dwayne McDuffie- who worked for Marvel and established his own publishing company, Milestone Media, where he worked with other Black creators. Members celebrated athletes like Bill Russel, Alvin Ailey, Dominique Davis, and world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon Wilma Rudoulph. After one classroom discussion this week, Henderson Unit staff shared, There are a few members who have a reputation of not wanting to participate in activities. During our Black History Month activity, these members watched the videos and had impactful conversations about why they think Black History Month is important. Members even started to lead the conversation, asked many questions, and even continued the conversation after the activity was over. Stay tuned throughout the month of February as we continue to share stories! To learn more about Black History Month, its significance, & beginnings, visit https://www.history.com/t/black-history/black-history-month To learn more about programming at BGC visit https://www.bgclubspringfield.org/programs

Thank you Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni for supporting our Club members during our holiday celebrations. Thanks to your continued support and friendship we were able to support our Club members during the challenges that Covid-19 brought this year.

Last night was our annual Christmas to Remember event. While this year looked a little different, the pure joy and fun that filled our Clubs was the same as years past. Thank you so much to Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma for helping us shift to make this happen again for our Club kids! Our hearts are full!

Thank you Queen City Sertoma for sponsoring our teen holiday parties!

Good morning! We have shifted our operation to accommodate Club families. There is a lot of new information effective November 2nd for both youth and teens. Please see below and in the photo. If you have a question, please send us a Facebook message. We appreciate your patience and understanding! Key points: * Our current operation will continue through October 30th. * All Clubs will still be CLOSED October 23rd.... * All Clubs will be CLOSED Monday, November 2nd- Friday, November 6th. * All Clubs will REOPEN on November 9th with new services (see photo). * There will be an adjustment to membership fees. Please be patient with us. * We are only able to serve students who have chosen SPS' in-person option. * Current member registration will begin on 10/21 via email link. New members can register on 10/23 on our website. Current SERTOMA & FREMONT members DO NOT need to re-register. Registration closes 10/29. * There will be a new policy and procedure manual for you to review to ensure safety for Club members. * COVID-19 situation is fluid and we reserve the right to adjust policies and procedures as needed to maintain the health and safety of children and staff. For a PDF of this information, please visit here: https://static1.squarespace.com//Updated+Operations+Plan_+ If you have a question, please send us a Facebook message.

Happy Friday! We wish you a wonderful, safe weekend and we will see you again on the 9th! To register for Phase 2 of our Fall Program, visit: https://www.bgclubspringfield.org/new-page.

The AFP Ozarks Region chapter, is recognizing National Philanthropy Day this year on Tuesday, November 10th. Over the course of the next several days, we will b...e recognizing our nominees in over 10 categories (in random order), with the winner in each of those categories announced on Nov. 10th. Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield in their nomination for Non-profit with the Best Response to COVID-19! On March 18th, 2020, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield (BGCS) closed its doors to traditional services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the decision was a difficult one for them, it was necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of club kids, families, and staff members. However, on March 19th, 2020, BGCS opened new doors. BGCS created an emergency COVID-19 response committee to create and implement a plan to continue serving the kids and families who needed it most. During the COVID-19 Response & Recovery Plan, BGCS did the following: -Supported over 600 families and 868 children -Provided over 44,000 meals -Conducted over 3,000 wellness checks -Provided over 450 hours of educational programming and content to prevent learning loss and maintain meaningful connections -Distributed over 3,500 computers, books, puzzles and activities for Club members -Served an additional 575+ community members outside of their traditional Club membership -Distributed over 1,575 necessary health and hygiene items for families in need -Enrolled over 500 Club members in their Phase 2 opening -Engaged over 370 youth and 50 teens in virtual programming -Maintained 96 jobs and shifted essential job functions to effectively serve the community Congratulations Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield in being nominated for Non-profit with the Best Response to COVID-19! : Jeff Long, Director of Operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

Congratulations to our Youths of the Month for the month of October : Jamarius, Joey and Porsha. Porsha was selected as the overall October 2020 Youth of the Month.

Congratulations to our friends at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis for their outstanding recognition at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Virtual Midwest Regional Conference today! Dred and Indigo: you are amazing and we are so grateful for your commitment to the kids and families who need us most!

Here are some highlights from our Clubs in October! #greatFuturesstarthere https://youtu.be/cBNqM1W576I

Looking for a fulfilling career? Get started with the Boys & Girls Club Movement by applying as a Youth Development Professional! Apply at: https://employers.indeed.com/j#jobs/view?id=be599760a4d8

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield are hiring part-time bus drivers! If interested, but do not have the current endorsement, the Club will pay for the licensing. Apply at: https://employers.indeed.com/j#jobs/view?id=bad0f464bd6d