Summit Foundation Grant
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County receives a $12,000 grant from the
Summit Foundation
The Summit Foundation provided the club with a generous award to support youth development.
Union, NJ (September 13, 2022) – Being trauma informed is one of the many objectives we value at the
Boys & Girls Clubs. Adopting a trauma-informed approach takes constant attention, care awareness,
sensitivity, and possibly a culture revolution inside the organization. Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of
Union County was awarded a $12,000 grant for an afterschool trauma-informed program to assist
adolescents with emotional wellness.
The award is beneficial not only to the club, but also to the young members that are enrolled. Many of us,
especially our youth, have been confronted with a global pandemic, COVID lockdown laws, and virtually
attending school, which has undoubtedly taken an emotional and mental toll on the minds of our youth.
The Club, with the help and appreciation of the Summit Foundation, is able to recognize trauma, foster
healing and resilience, and reduce retraumatization through interactions.
Kabriya Oates, Union Club Director of Programs, conducts the programs and engages with the youth club
members on a daily basis. “If a child exhibits noticeable changes in their behavior that would result in
self-harm, staff are equipped with the training to recognize such behavior and assist members in
developing social emotional skills, which are necessary for academic success, character development, and
commitment to a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
Club personnel had to engage with a club kid who was about to self-harm, and by being trauma aware and
proactive, the staff was able to resolve the issue and aid the youngster in finding a healthy solution.
School Counselors on Wheels, an in-state certified social worker who offers interactive presentations
about depression, suicide, family issues, abuse, family problems, problem solving, and suicide prevention,
has partnered with the group. The children are enthusiastic about the guest speaker. She also has
one-on-one interactions with each child to better understand them. When the kids opened up to the
speaker, they opened out to their peers as well.
With great thanks to the Summit Foundation for their assistance, it will be felt across the club and among
our youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County is a national organization of local chapters which provide
voluntary after-school programs for young people.
