Page 116 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2021

GIVING BACK
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
OF THE GULF COAST
story and photos courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast works to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing them with a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through six Clubs in two counties, our trained and professional staff serves more than 5,100 youth yearly. Our programs focus on helping kids succeed in school, live healthier, and become leaders.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
20 percent of young people in Mississippi fail to graduate from high school on time. The goal of our Academic Success initiative is to foster academic success through homework help and special initiatives such as S.T.E.A.M., literacy programs, and the Arts. Among our teen age Club members, 100 percent graduate from high school, and 100 percent expect to complete some kind of post-secondary education. Our members have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average.
GOOD CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
23.21 percent of high-school youth in the United States were involved in a physical fight in the past year. The goal of our Good Character & Citizenship initiative is to teach leadership skills, unity, and to foster an understanding of giving back to the community through a line of service. 86 percent of Club teen members volunteer in their community at least once a year, while 15 percent volunteer once per month or more.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
40.8 percent of young people ages 6-18 in Mississippi are over-weight or obese. The goal of our Healthy Lifestyle initiative is to promote healthy life-changing habits among our Club members, as well as offer sports leagues in an effort to promote physical activity. 91 percent of Club members get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity on five or more days per week. Clubs provide healthy USDA approved snacks to all Club members per week.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast
11975 Seaway Rd., Ste. A160, Gulfport 228.896.3770 | www.bgcgulfcost.org
116 | December 2021
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living