“WHATEVER IT TAKES”!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County operations in Union, Elizabeth and Plainfield are more than just safe places to go when school is out. Our organization relentlessly focuses on the conditions necessary for young people to learn, grow and thrive: positive experiences, environments and relationships.

Because of this, outcomes data from Boys & Girls Clubs affirm that Club youth graduate with a plan for the future, become leaders and change agents, and make decisions that promote their health and wellness.

♦ 75% of Club members ages 12 to 17 from low-income family’s report receiving mostly As and Bs, compared to 67% of their peers nationally.

♦ Club members in eighth, 10th and 12th grades volunteer at significantly higher rates than their peers nationally.

♦ Nationally, 10th and 12th graders are three times as likely to have vaped in the past month compared to Club members in those grades.

The United States faces many challenges. As postsecondary education costs continue to rise, our Clubs must support young people in pursuing their studies after high school. As skill and diversity gaps persist in the workforce, our Clubs must ensure that all young people have opportunities to develop and practice skills such as inquiry, analysis and problem solving. We develop young leaders who can exercise their influence and change narratives to include all people. In addition, we must instill in young people the lifelong habits that result in physical and emotional wellness. The future of the nation will require a generation of skilled, adaptive, nimble leaders to make advancements across sectors and industries.

In response to ever-changing community contexts and recognizing that the experiences of youth are increasingly complex, Boys & Girls Clubs are prioritizing the following:

♦ Safety and Wellness – Every young person feels safe and included, and experiences social, emotional and physical wellness.

♦ Equity and Inclusion – Every young person has access to high-quality youth development experiences and real-world opportunities.

♦ Readiness – Every young person is equipped with the skills and experiences that lead to success in school, work and life. Youth, families and communities need their local Boys & Girls Clubs now more than ever. Club professionals and volunteers believe that every young person in the nation is resilient and has what it takes to build a great future. Boys & Girls Clubs will continue to serve as partners with youth, families and communities. Boys & Girls Clubs’ commitment to young people and to positive youth development will not waiver.

Our Club professionals and volunteers believe every young person in the nation is resilient and has what it takes to build a great future.

Here in Union County we work every day to do our part to provide great futures for the children we serve and we will do “Whatever It Takes”!