Our Impact
Some highlights from our 2009-10 member survey:
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76% always feel safe at the Club, as compared with 46% in their neighborhood. *
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92% said it’s true that they expect to graduate from high school.
- 87% said the Club has helped them do better in school.
- 84% said it’s true that the Club has helped them get along with people who are different than them.
- 97% of members feel that Club staff care about them.
- 94% of members feel there is always someone at the Club who will listen to them.
- 60% of members ages 12-18 participate in volunteer work or community service.
*This response is important because:
- 61% of members have witnessed a physical fight, and 13.4% of members have witnessed an attack with a weapon.
- 76% of respondents feel that gang activities are somewhat or very serious or dangerous in their neighborhood.
Some lifestyle trends since our 2007 survey:
- Decrease in the percentage of members who frequently eat fast food: 38% in 2007, 18% in 2008, 17% in 2009, 15% in 2010.
- Increased percentage of members who exercise for at least 20 minutes four or more times per week: 39% in 2009, 48% in 2010.
Research shows that the biggest single predictor of a child's future success is the presence of at least one non-parent adult in their life. Youth who have positive adult relationships are:
- More motivated to learn and do better in school.
- Have a better sense of themselves and their future.
- Accept and take responsibility for themselves and others.
- More resilient and less likely to engage in risky behavior.
In 2010, the summer program at BGCB served 3,819 youth, including providing employment for 197 teens and 133 pre-teens, who worked as counselors-in-training and interns.
57% of Boys & Girls Club alumni say that participating in a Club "saved my life."
