NH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS SHOW IMPACT: Results announced from NH Alumni Survey
Written by Tracey Adams
Thursday, 20 May 2010 11:54
(MANCHESTER, May 21, 2010) – The Boys & Girls Clubs in New Hampshire commissioned Harris Interactive to complete a survey of New Hampshire Boys & Girls Club alumni to prove the impact Clubs have on kids and communities.The most compelling statistic states that 66% of alumni said the Club saved their life.Respondents said this for a variety of reasons, such as helping them stay away from violence, drugs and alcohol; finding a role model at the Club to guide and mentor them; or because they were able to set goals or encouraged to further their education.Gary Frost, executive director for the Manchester Club stated, “The results of the survey are compelling and show, from an anecdotal perspective, the true impact that Clubs have on the young people we serve.Our Clubs are implementing programs that focus on education, character development, leadership skills, civic engagement and healthy lifestyles.The survey results prove our programs are having a direct impact on the future leaders of our communities.”Additional statistics show that 96% of NH alumni graduated high school and 37% have earned a 4-year college degree.Alumni also report that their Club experience had a profound impact on their attitudes about learning.Another impressive statistic is that 93% of alumni say a particular staff member played an important role in their life.Alumni acknowledge and recognize the positive effects that staff members had on various aspects of their lives – as children and adults – including higher self-esteem, self-confidence, learning good leadership skills and knowing right from wrong.
Services are provided at 28 sites and 16 school-based locations serving 82 communities in New Hampshire, with organizations headquartered in Concord, Derry, Laconia, Manchester, Milford, Nashua, and Salem.In 2009, more than 19,000 young people in New Hampshire were Boys & Girls Club members, with more than 45,000 youth participating in programs, outreach efforts and special events.
In every community boys and girls are too often left to find their own recreation and companionship when school is not in session. An increasing number of children are at home after school or during vacation time without adult care or supervision.
At Boys & Girls Clubs, children know that someone cares about them. Clubs give all their members an opportunity to participate in high quality programs and activities. Clubs enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place for Kids.
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