Clubs Offer Distance Learning Support and Afterschool Programming to Hundreds of Families Across the City
ATLANTA, Ga. – August 17, 2020 – Starting today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is officially launching a phased reopening plan for its nearly 20 locations in and around the city. On August 17, the organization is opening its doors at ten locations for face-to-face service, providing distance learning support and/or traditional afterschool programming to support hundreds of kids and families. The organization hopes to continue to expand service with the majority of locations open by September 21.
As BGCMA reopens, the organization is enforcing strict safety measures to keep kids and staff members as safe as possible. In order to maintain adequate social distancing, the organization is reducing capacity to 25% and increasing the number of staff per child to 1 to 8. All staff and members are required to wear face masks. Kids and staff will travel in small pods throughout the day to limit exposure. The organization will also conduct full cleanings of the Clubs on a daily basis with more frequent sanitation of high-use spaces.
“We are so excited to reopen our doors, connect with our kids, and provide critical support with distance learning and afterschool care,” said David Jernigan. ““Parents need a safe and supportive environment for their kids and teens, and we are excited to be able to provide that again for hundreds of kids across Metro Atlanta.”
To help serve kids and teens most effectively, BGCMA is partnering with school districts across metro Atlanta. Many school districts are stepping up to provide IT support, food support, instructional support, janitorial services, and innovative ideas. Due to limited capacity, the organization is also partnering with schools to identify those members who would benefit the most from Club services.
“It truly does take a village to support a child and we are so appreciative of the ways that school districts across the city are stepping up to support our reopening efforts,” said Jernigan. “Although our operations will look different this year, our staff remains committed to providing fun, engaging, programs and experiences that help our kids and teens succeed in school, prepare for college and career, make healthy choices, and lead in their communities.”
In addition to in-person programming, BGCMA will also continue robust virtual programming focused on college preparation and career readiness for teens and tweens. Through this programming, last spring, the organization distributed more than $500,000 in scholarships and helped place more than 60 Boys & Girls Club teens in internships at leading companies across the city.
As BGCMA looks ahead, the organization is thankful for the generous support it has received to date. The nonprofit is facing more than $500,000 in unanticipated costs related to new safety measures and technology upgrades needed to serve kids in this new environment. Due to the ripple effects of the pandemic, the nonprofit is expecting a significant funding shortfall in 2021.
“We are so thankful to the Atlanta community for the support they have shown to us and our kids over the last few months,” said Jernigan. “We’ll need your commitment as we forge ahead. Our kids have big feelings, big questions, and big challenges, but also huge promise and huge potential. We look forward to standing alongside them on their journey.”
For information on how you can support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and for details on its full reopening plan, visit www.BGCMA.org. For a full list of safety policies and procedures, visit www.bgcma.org/covid19safety.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through nearly 20 Clubs in 9 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve 2,800 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While it costs thousands of dollars to serve each member, families are only asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each semester; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.