We are so thankful for your support. Because of you, last year, we were able to reach more than 10,000 kids and teens and help them reach their full potential. They left our doors ready for their next step, resilient in the face of challenge, and prepared to make the world and their communities a better a place.

Your support of our 20+ Clubs helped thousands of kids and teens get ready for college and career, live healthy, and lead in their communities.

In 2018, we are proud to report that kids and teens at our Clubs reached major milestones:

• 75% of our teen members volunteered at least once a year – a rate three times higher than their Atlanta, Georgia, and national peers.
• 98% of our seniors participating in the CareerBound program graduated from high school with a post-secondary opportunity.
• BGCMA high school members reported smoking at a rate two times lower and drinking alcohol at a rate 10 times lower than their Georgia peers.

We have not just seen progress with our kids. Our organization is ready for the future too. Last year, we made amazing strides to meet the needs of our members.

In 2018, we began construction on the first arts-and-innovation-focused Boys & Girls Club in the country. Known as John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation & Expression Studio (Harland T.I.E.S), this new site is now serving hundreds of kids in the West End and across our entire organization, helping themlearn critical skills, find and nurture their passion, and showcase and perform their work.

Last year, we also fully launched our CareerBound initiative – an effort to prepare teens for their next step in life. Whether it is 4-year college or the military, an apprenticeship or technical certification, these teens are equipped with the skills, experiences, and practice they need to succeed.

As we celebrate these successes, we have to keep pushing forward. Many kids and teens still do not have access to the resources and relationships they need to chart a better path. It is up to us to get them there.

As our 2020 Strategic Plan comes to a close, we know that our work has only begun. In alignment with our national organization, we are beginning to develop Great Futures 2025 to meet the needs of our youth today. We will be looking at new organizational models and partnerships that will allow us to expand and serve additional communities. We will be focusing on hiring and retaining the best staff and delivering the most impactful programming to give our kids their best chance at reaching their full potential. As we work to finalize our 2025 plan, we will share with you and our other top stakeholders to get your thoughts and input.

We know you have many options for support. Thank you for partnering with us! We look forward to working with you in the coming years to make sure all youth are ready for their next step and headed toward a future full of promise and success.

Sincerely,