It is with great satisfaction and excitement that we reflect on 2023 throughout WA Boys & Girls Clubs!
Local Clubs have mostly rebounded to the pre-pandemic numbers in the number of youth served and average daily attendance! Clubs grew their reach in several new communities, and expanded many programs focused on mental health, college and career readiness, and academic support in our nearly 160 existing locations. Several tribal communities added their first ever Boys & Girls Clubs programs, with culturally appropriate programming available from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Native Services.
The State Association has made great strides in supporting Clubs’ mental health promotion by offering trainings and program implementation support with some impressive results: over 1,000 Youth Development professionals trained in trauma-informed care practices; 14 Behavioral Support Specialists supported with networking and professional development opportunities; and over $4,500,000 raised to maintain these efforts through 2025.
Our youth’s physical and mental health is our number one priority, for without a healthy lifestyle, all other priority outcomes for our young people are that much harder to achieve. In 2024, we look forward to deepening our impact with partnerships with other statewide and local youth serving organizations, research entities, funders, and most importantly, our Club families and communities!