Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County aim to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential, as productive, carding, responsible citizens. Our Clubs provide a safe, fun, and positive space for youth ages 6-18 to thrive in where they engage in Targeted Programs, focusing on our Priority Outcomes of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. We are committed to reflecting our Club Values of Fun, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Acceptance.

All youth and teens having access to opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential of a G

Goal One: Implement new "Club Mentor" initiative, recruiting and placing 150+ volunteers in Clubs that will commit to regular, ongoing mentoring with members

Goal Two: Respond to community need by adding licensed Childcare programs to the program portfolio, including the new "Discovery Center" concept for children ages 4-6 who have not been served by Clubs before

Goal Three: Increase the frequency and depth of Social-Emotional Learning activities, programs, and curriculum to support youth processing through developmental interruptions related to the COVID-19 crisis

Investments have been made in additional staff in-service days, providing opportunities for small 'tiger teams' tackling special projects and initiatives to advance the organization utilizing staff members that are not currently in a defined leadership role, and creating more formal career advancement pathways. The organization has also increased opportunities for staff to become "Trainers of Trainers" for activities related to program development and quality, Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, and Strategic Organizational Advancement using the LEGO Serious Play Method.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has always taken pride in being considered a nimble, adaptable, flexible organization that responds to community needs in a timely manner. That was put to the test under the most difficult of circumstances during the COVID-19 crisis. Monitoring the evolution of the COVID-19 crisis, the organization drafted a "Tiger Team" on February 28, 2020 to begin developing ways to implement some sort of internet-based programming and support for Club members if schools were to suddenly close or other service interruptions were to occur. On March 5, 2020, the organization recognized the potential health and safety concerns of bringing a large group of individuals together for the Annual Breakfast, the 2nd largest fundraiser, which was scheduled for March 18, and began simultaneous planning for a virtual event. On March 16th, Schools would close and the state shutdown. Over the next four days, the virtual fundraiser was implemented, reaching 78% of goal amazingly enough, while all operations and program staff focused on developing trainings, processes, and systems integrating CDC and Public Health guidance that changed nearly every 12 hours. On Monday, March 23rd, the organization was ready to reopen and serve children. By the end of March, it was recognized that School District food service efforts were unable to reach all families and that gaps of access were significant. One week later, the Club launched a demand-response reservation system that would grow to feed more than 4,000 children and families, and supplemented School District offerings with a purposeful intention to avoid any duplication of efforts. For the remainder of 2020 and into the first half of 2021, the organization has had no period of stability in schedule and needs greater than about two weeks, and it often feels like the early days of the crisis. Staff have been committed to doing whatever it takes to support the community, however.