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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF HALL COUNTY RECEIVES $25,000 GRANT FROM THE UPS FOUNDATION

Gainesville, GA, September 24, 2011 - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County received a $25,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used for a new Library and Reading Center at its Positive Place Club.

The goals for the Library and Reading Center are to encourage and improve reading skills, vocabulary development, reading comprehension and develop a more positive attitude toward reading for youth ages 6 – 12. The Library and Reading Center will provide members with the support, resources and guidance necessary to help ensure that all members are proficient in reading and help narrow the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children. The library and program will offer a structured time and place for Club staff and volunteers to help members with a vital aspect of the educational process – reading.

“We are grateful to The UPS Foundation and the volunteers who have been instrumental in helping us receive these funds.” said Mr. Mickens. “Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child’s educational development. Once completed this library and reading center will help insure our kids have the tools necessary to be successful in school.”
Two out of every three fourth graders overall are not proficient in reading according to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress. Worse, four of five fourth graders from low-income families are also not proficient in reading. The failure to help children from low-income families reach this milestone cements educational failure and poverty into the next generation. The ability to read is central to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential, and the ability to contribute to the community’s economy and its security.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environment sustainability.
In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as the (list organization/program name) and provide support for building stronger communities.

“The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – so we are proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County’s efforts to improve reading and literacy proficiency for young people,” said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County is a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day.To ensure that youth leave the Clubs as well-rounded individuals with a plan for the future, Clubs are focusing efforts on three key outcome areas: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County has implemented three strategies to support these outcomes:
1.      Every Member, Every Year, BGCHC’s graduation strategy, aims to ensure all Club members progress on time each year to the next grade level.
2.      Live Healthy helps educate youth about fitness, nutrition and smart decisions.
3.      Be Engaged provides character, leadership and service learning opportunities for Club members.

The Clubs serve over 4,000 young people annually and 375 members, ages 6 to 18 every day. 77% of our youth come from economically disadvantaged circumstance. The percentage of members living in a single parent household is 86%.   The Clubs membership is 53% male and 47% female, 43% African-American, 32% Hispanic, 16% Caucasian and 9% Multi-Racial.
The work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County is supported by over 35 full- and part-time staff, plus a volunteer force of over 100 community leaders and private citizens.
The fee for membership is $25 per year per child and the after-school program is free. The eight week Summer Program is $100 per child. No child is turned away due to inability to pay.

For more information please call Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County at 770/532-8102.