The Washington State Association of Boys & Girls Clubs was created to deepen Clubs’ impact, amplify our mission, and garner additional public and private resources to further Clubs’ work in local communities. At the end of 2022, the outcomes of the Association’s work are shining brightly while casting a great spotlight on the life-changing work of our Clubs:
- In March of 2022, we returned to an in-person WA State Youth of the Year, and celebrated nine outstanding teens, naming Johanna from Skagit County and Sam from JBLM as our Traditional and Military WA State winners, respectively.
- For a second year in a row, WA Youth of the Year finalists were considered for a prestigious four-year Presidential Scholar Award by the University of WA. Congratulations to Shelby from Snohomish County (2021), and Kevin from King County (2022)!
- Aided by a $500,000 investment from a private partner, the Norcliffe Foundation, and a $1,000,000 grant for a pilot program from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, all 14 Boys & Girls Clubs have launched a comprehensive mental health initiative. This multi-year effort includes training of all youth-facing staff in PAX Tools for Human Services, a trauma-informed behavior support strategy; hiring dedicated Behavioral Support Specialists; and launching programs focused on Club member and family mental health support and well-being.
- In a continued partnership with Washington Healthcare Authority, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, over 30 Club locations delivered drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, paving the way for better choices and more resilience in a healthier future for our Club members.
- Significantly expanded our Medicaid partnerships to provide free Club access to many more Apple Health subscribers throughout our state.
- Continued a long-standing grant program with OSPI in Academics, Innovation and Mentoring, serving over 500 Club members from areas with the highest need with programs and strategies focused on Academic Success!
- And finally, secured an unprecedented multi-year investment from Ballmer Group, focused on providing unrestricted support to Clubs with the highest rate of Club kids accessing Free and Reduced Lunch program. (To read more about these initiatives and investments, please visit our website).
Washington Clubs will continue to evaluate the most pressing needs facing our Club kids and teens throughout the state, and form and expand private and public partnerships and programs that are timely, responsive and of high value to the communities we serve! We look forward to hearing more amazing stories of our Clubs’ impact in 2023!
Katya Miltimore
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington State
Association and Alliance