Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois

by Julie on February 19th, 2017 at 8:00 AM

There are so many groups which are working diligently to make our community a better place, and we are grateful and excited to highlight their efforts! Lets take a look at the Boys & Girls Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois

What is your mission? To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Executive Director Bill S. Legge shares more: “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois serves over 1,100 youth each day at our main unit and nine elementary and middle school based sites. All of our members have unique struggles related to poverty, but through targeted intervention, we’re able to help them stay on track in school and prepare for a successful future.”

Who do you serve? Each day, we serve roughly 1,100 youth, providing character building activities, academic programs, and healthy activities. All of our programming is geared towards delivering measurable outcomes that help our members become responsible citizens in our community, live healthy lifestyles, and achieve the success we know they are capable of.

What is your biggest challenge? The Club relies on volunteers to help run quality programs, especially during academic programs when our kids need more one-on-one attention. Finding volunteers that are available to come on a regular, consistent basis to help with programs like these is a challenge. We see that kids make the most progress when they are familiar with the adult helpers surrounding them!

How can Springfield Moms readers best support your mission? Spread the word! Each person that tells someone else about our organization is helping to inform our community about the Boys & Girls Club and what we are doing to support Springfield’s disadvantaged youth. The more people who know about us, the better! Legge adds: “There are several ways to make a difference for the Club, whether that’s by donating your time or resources. We are only able to be here because of the generous community support we receive. Visit our website for more details on how to become a volunteer or make a contribution, and you can help us provide a great future for the kiddos we serve.”