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When schools are closed, Des Moines’ Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) locations open to provide K-12 students with a safe place to grow and learn alongside a compassionate team of staff and volunteers invested in their academic and personal success.
“We know that a child’s future will be brighter if they graduate high school with a plan,” says Tony Timm, CEO. “When I’m at one of our Clubs and see kids playing games and doing homework together, I hear the excitement of possibilities blooming. It’s a sound that says we’re doing something right.”
It’s not always easy, but watching children achieve their potential is worth it. Whether preparing them to work a trade, pursue higher education, or join the military, BGCCI’s team invests in the lives of youth to break the cycle of poverty with opportunities to flourish after graduation.
BGCCI’s programs cover many needs. Members are served daily meals and snacks before leaving Club to ensure a good night’s sleep. This lets students focus on their learning, and with some creativity, the meal can provide more than sustenance.
Whether members are making spicy ramen or tacos, BGCCI’s Cooking Club programming teaches youth how to follow a recipe, learn to adjust fractions based on the number of servings, utilize kitchen equipment safely, try meals from other cultures, and even take food pantry ingredients home to prepare the same meal for their family.
“There’s something to be said of shared experiences,” says Timm. “Programs like this give kids an outlet to share what they’re going through and gives them a chance to find a new friend to count on when they need someone to lift them up.”
Get Involved
Thanks to donations and volunteers, the cost of Club is not a barrier for any child in the community. Those looking to get involved can make a lasting impact in their community by helping youth with their homework and showing them that someone believes in their potential.
“We need mentors with a caring heart and open mind to spend time investing in our youth,” Timm explains. “There is a cost to our work. It's not easy raising the amount of money we need each year, but I know we’re better off as a community if we can get more kids into our programs and prepare them for the future.”
Contact Info:
Name: Sarah Massop
Email: Send Email
Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa
Address: 1421 Walker Street Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone: 515-242-7925
Website: https://www.bgcci.org/
Release ID: 89127565
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