Boys & Girls Clubs empower young people

By Mia Terraciano-Spence

Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day season kicked off on August 27 and culminates on Thursday, Sept. 17. Communities Foundation of Texas and White Rock Lake Weekly are once again highlighting nonprofits that serve the White Rock Lake area.

For many children, a brighter future starts with something simple: a place they can count on.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) creates that foundation, helping children and teens learn, grow and reach their potential. BGCD is one of the leading youth organizations in North Texas, positively impacting more than 8,700 kids ages six to 18.

The Clubs’ doors open to something many kids are searching for: consistency, support and opportunity. With locations throughout North Texas, Clubs provide kids and teens with a steady source of support year-round, including during critical after-school hours and school breaks. 

The Clubs’ focus on stability and mentorship helps place youth on a path to success. Ninety-three percent of Club members expect to graduate from high school, 83 percent of 12th graders have applied to college or post-secondary programs, and 95 percent are on grade level for their age. The benefits also extend to the entire community: every $1 invested in BGCD returns $12.26 in economic value to Texans.

BGCD empowers young people to reach their full potential through programs in academic success, character development and healthy lifestyles. BGCD meets the diverse needs of Dallas youth and helps kids build skills and confidence.

On any given day, Club members can grab a hot meal, get through homework with a mentor, dive into a STEM project or play a sport with friends. As members get older, they can participate in college readiness, trade certification and workplace leadership programs. The Clubs consistently connect youth with caring mentors and a community they can rely on. Expanding transportation means more young people can consistently access these programs, mentors and opportunities.

For Brian Slye, that consistency and support changed the course of his life. When Brian moved to a new town at age 11, the Boys & Girls Club became his constant. It gave him stability, caring mentors and even his first job.

Years later, Brian returned to BGCD, this time as CEO. Today, he leads the organization that once helped shape his future, creating the same opportunities for the next generation of North Texas youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas has kept kids safe, active and thriving for more than 60 years. Year after year, North Texas Giving Day helps BGCD reach more children and teens. 

“We’ve been able to strengthen our programs and expand access to life-changing opportunities for the kids and teens who need us most,” says Brian Slye.

This North Texas Giving Day, BGCD is asking North Texans to help remove one of the barriers that can stand between young people and the opportunities waiting inside its Club doors: transportation.

 By expanding access to safe, reliable transportation, BGCD can connect more children and teens with after-school and summer programs that provide mentorship, academic support, career preparation and a community they can count on. 

With the support of North Texans, more young people can get to the Club and the opportunities that can help them reach their full potential. 

Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas today at NorthTexasGivingDay.org.

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