Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast launches Great Futures Campaign

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast recently announced the launch of the Great Futures Campaign to mobilize the community in support of kids and empower today’s youth to achieve great futures. All seven Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast locations are joining Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide to redefine the opportunity equation for kids by elevating the critical role out-of-school time plays in a child’s development. Through the Great Futures Campaign, the organization seeks to ensure that every child and teen has access to a safe place after school and during the summer where they can build the knowledge, skills and behaviors to put them on the path for success.

“When the nation prepares to go back to school this fall, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast wants to ensure out-of-school is part of the conversation,” said Shervin Rassa, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “We’re taking a leadership role with the Great Futures Campaign to elevate the impact of out-of-school time. When school is out, no child should go unsafe or unguided. Through the Campaign, we are advocating on behalf of kids to ensure ensuring all kids have access to a safe, engaging and productive place to go between school and home.”

A response to the crises facing America’s kids, the campaign is focused on reversing the most negative trends facing youth and the country:

Boys & Girls Clubs reach kids most in need with outcome-driven programs designed to increase their performance in the areas of education, health and character development. Research shows that when kids attend the Club more frequently, the impact grows, so Clubs create a fun and engaging environment that keeps kids coming back. Goals for the Campaign include:

• Increase membership and access to Clubs for kids who need a safe place to go after school and during the summer

• Ensure successful transitions to middle and high school, and foster college- or career-readiness with 21st century skills

• Motivate kids to be healthy through nutrition and health education, more access to healthy foods, avoidance of risky behaviors and a lifelong commitment to fitness

• Engage youth in taking action in their community and the world, promote resilience, build character strength, and develop the next generation of America’s leaders

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is asking the public to help the organization reach more kids and put them on the path to a great future. Tools for School events will prepare our Club Members for school by handing out school supplies. Event dates are:

• Aug. 11, Destin Club, 4-6 p.m.

• Aug. 13, DeFuniak Springs Club, 4-6 p.m.

• Aug. 14, South Walton Club. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Aug. 15, Fort Walton Beach Club, 2-4 p.m.

For more information about the Great Futures Campaign, visit www.bgcec.com.