Live United: The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs
{Contributed Photo}
Salvation Army of Davidson County Boys & Girls Club | United Way of Davidson County (uwdavidson.org)
In the US, on average the everyday family spends an exorbitant amount on childcare every year, averaging around $10,000 a year. A staggering amount of money can quickly climb to take a dangerous amount of money away from families. Taking food out of their children's mouths and clothes off of their backs, and also setting back the family years in terms of financial progression towards milestones such as homes, paying off loans, and more. All in all, finding and expending money for childcare consistently in the US is a costly and daunting task.
Luckily, organizations such as Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Clubs are in place to help alleviate this burden somewhat. The Boys and Girls Club is an after-school and summer program intended to help parents and guardians by offering enriching experiences that help to deepen and enhance their child’s out-of-school experience. While also offering much-needed childcare to families who might need it, with them often orienting their program to help families and kids who are high-risk or in need.
They offer opportunities during their program such as tutoring, character building, arts participation, recreation, and socialization amongst peers. Support by way of education, assistance for drug prevention/sobriety, and volunteer options. And lessons in financial literacy, emotional wellness, and healthy habits.
The Boys and Girls Club was founded locally in 1934. From the start, it had in mind the goal to help young children grow and develop in a positive and encouraging environment into successful and productive citizens. All regardless of race, circumstance, or religion, and in regards to children of every background.
Many people have had positive experiences growing up in the Boys and Girls Club, saying they provided them with experiences, opportunities, and support that they otherwise wouldn’t have had access to.
One such story, penned by a woman named Jasmin Higgins, recounts her experience with the Boys and Girls Club, and how they helped her succeed and become who she is today. In an article published by the organization itself, she talks about how as a young child, she had been going through a difficult period in her life, with her facing tremendous hardships. With her struggling on the outside with bullying and her parent's divorce, and on the inside with deep depression and suicidal thoughts. With the help of the Boys and Girls Club, through the counselor’s support and amazing opportunities, Jasmin managed to figure herself out and her purpose in life. Currently, Jasmin is thriving, with a 4.3 GPA, after-school academic extracurriculars, and the status of a community role model. She also aspires to go into the field of sports medicine, driven by her lifelong passion for sports and also the statistically low amount of women of color, especially black women such as herself, in the industry. With research showing a low percentage of black women obtaining college degrees, and an even lower percentage of them pursuing athletic training, Jasmin seeks to grow those numbers substantially. She says this:
“I am a proud Club kid – a product of what happens when you pour into the youth. I am here to be an example to others that they have a chance. It’s all about what you make out of your situation regardless of your past.”
The Boys and Girls Club can do all of this at a minimal and affordable fee all thanks to the help and financial support of United Way. With them providing the finances needed to ensure an enriching experience at the program, allowing for the access to resources otherwise unavailable. All in accordance with United Way's goal of supporting and serving.
