The
Boys and Girls Clubs of East Mississippi, Inc. have been in the
forefront of youth development in this community for over 23 years,
working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and
family circumstances. The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Mississippi,
Inc. ("CLUB”) have been actively sought to enrich the the lives
of girls and boys whom other youth agencies have difficulty in
reaching. We are dedicated to ensuring that our community's
disadvantaged children have greater access to quality programs and
services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures.
With
the guidance and direction of the Board of Directors, the Boys and
Girls Clubs of East Mississippi have continued to expand the services
it provides to the youth in this area despite the changing economic
atmosphere. Currently, we are providing after-school and summer
programs for over 2,000 children. The CLUB has three (3) locations in
Lauderdale County; Northeast Elementary, Velma Young Center, and the
West End Unit.
Together
the CLUB units provide after-school tutoring, computer assisted
instruction, workshops on gang prevention, conflict resolution,
self-esteem, goal setting, personal hygiene, and various health care (obesity)
issues, fitness and nutrition, drugs, alcohol, and teenage pregnancy prevention, music,
summer enrichment program, educational trips,
leadership training, job training, and recognition programs.
The
CLUB also conduct sports leagues in baseball (12 teams), football (13
teams), softball (15 teams), and basketball (22 teams). If the CLUB did not
conduct these leagues, the majority of the participants would not be
involved because of lack of funds, transportation, or support. These leagues
have become a vital part of our operation, mainly because they serve
as an incentive for good grades and behavior.