It has been another tough year for kids, families, and communities that rely on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. But when kids have Clubs and Clubs have YOU, tough times can lead to great moments. Great moments add up to Great Futures. Here are a few of our great moments from 2021.

Kids in the Kitchen

The culinary arts enrichment program at our Tadmore Elementary Club site is an innovative way for members to learn STEM concepts after school. Kids learn the importance of nutrition and eating a variety of healthy foods. Members create their own cookbooks to store recipes they can take with them. Summer salad, guacamole, and s’mores are just a few recipes members get to prepare. Of course, the final taste test is the best part!

Workforce Development: ON the Job

Through our partnership with Old Navy, teens learned what it takes to have a career as an Old Navy brand associate. Activities included learning how to display merchandise, managing a stock room, operating the cash register, and providing shoppers with an excellent customer service experience. The goal of ON the Job is to offer youth real-life training that will be beneficial as they apply for part-time or seasonal positions. Teens had a great experience at Old Navy in Gainesville learning the tools of the trade, so they are better prepared to enter the workforce.

Lights On Afterschool

Did you know for every one child in an afterschool program in the state of Georgia, two are waiting to get in? Lights on Afterschool is a nationwide event celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. Each year, Club sites invite parents and community members to see how more time spent in afterschool programs improves the lives of the youth we serve. At our Chicopee Woods Club site, the Torch Club provided information to members and parents describing their ongoing community service projects, demonstrating how afterschool programs promote good character and citizenship.

Our Impact and Reach

25

Clubs

3

Counties

7,300

Kids

Opening the new Tim Lee Club

In June, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier opened the Tim Lee Club in Habersham County. Over the summer, the camp served 100 kids with an eight-week, full day program. In the fall, the Club transitioned to an afterschool program while another eight new Club sites opened in the county’s elementary schools. Thanks to a strong group of community leaders, we are now serving nearly 200 youth and families in Habersham County.

Forsyth County Groundbreaking

In September, BGCL broke ground on the new Tommy & Chantal Bagwell Club. When our first standalone Club in Forsyth County opens, we will serve 300 youth in grades K-12. The 21,000-foot facility will be equipped with a teaching kitchen, dedicated teen center, and gymnasium. Eventually, the property will be expanded to include sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a fitness and wellness path. We look forward to creating more great moments for youth and families at our new world-class facility in Forsyth County!