We gave 100 percent for Project 351

Afterschool Fund Awards Grant

Studies show that one out of every four children in America is left unattended between 3 and 6 p.m. each school day. Thanks to the supportive partnership with jcpenney and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, more Dorchester youth will now have the opportunity to attend an afterschool program offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester. Our Club will receive a $7,500 access grant to provide parents with the opportunity to engage their children with caring, adult professionals in a safe place filled with life-enhancing programs.

According to the America After 3 p.m. report released by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with jcpenney, a vast majority of parents seek the resources to engage their kids with adult role models who help foster their social, physical and academic development. By providing grants to organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, jcpenney is assisting families with children who are currently not enrolled in afterschool services or are on the verge of withdrawing due to financial hardship.

This local grant is part of a larger multi million-dollar distribution from jcpenney benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the YMCA of the USA, National 4-H and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working parents and provide endless opportunities to our local youth,” said President & CEO, Bob Scannell. “Participating in an afterschool program not only keeps kids safe, it engages them in a positive learning environment that helps them reach their full potential in life.”

Since 1999, jcpenney has continued a long-standing relationship with BGCA in working to provide young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, with access to safe, positive afterschool environments and proven programs. jcpenney has donated more than $30-million to help bring high quality afterschool programs to those youth who need it most.

Governor Patrick, City Year & Project 351 Visit the Club

Project 351, a statewide initiative that includes 351 – 8th grade Youth Ambassadors representing all 351 cities and towns across Massachusetts, took part in a Day of Service over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend. The teens came together at the State House before spreading out to four group projects. The Ambassadors visiting the Club painted pre-school classrooms, filled book bags full of educational supplies for our Homework Stars, created panel murals to be hung in the Teen Center, and made scarves and blankets for our pre-school students.

The students were led in partnership with City Year Corps Members, who helped manage all of the small group projects throughout the building. Later in the day Governor Deval Patrick stopped by to work with the students. Our thanks to these outstanding young leaders for their service, to City Year for their investment in coordinating all facets of the project, and to the leadership of Project 351 for bringing all the parties together.

Under The Tree Foundation Outing

Teens from the Club enjoyed a fun outing this past Saturday thanks to the Under the Tree Foundation. Our teens were treated to lunch with Paul Wahlberg at Wahlburgers in Hingham and then enjoyed the movie “Mission Impossible.” The Under the Tree Foundation (founded by Jonathan Woods in 2006) provides teen members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester with gifts at the holidays. It was founded on the premise that this age group is often overlooked during the holidays as many toy drives seem to focus on younger children.

The Under the Tree Foundation specifically fills an item from a “Wish List” provided by the teens, as well as supporting the Club with additional items to help serve the teen population during the holidays. In addition, the Under the Tree Foundation treats the teens to a post-holiday outing each year. Our thanks to Jonathan and to the supporters of the Under The Tree Foundation.

For more information on the Teen program please contact Director of Program Development, Laurene Plourde at 617-288-7120, ext. 2120.