That the number of children and youth who access the services of the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club continues to grow was a message delivered at the organization’s annual general meeting May 23.
According to president, Darcy Woolfitt, and executive director, Nicole Combres, “2017 was another successful year for the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club.”
The capacity of staff to deliver high quality programming to the children and youth has also grown, they said.
Throughout 2017, the Boys and Girls Club offered after-school, evening and weekend programming as well as nutrition programming six days a week.
Special programs offered included a hip-hop dance program, hockey program and soccer program.
Those attending the meeting were informed that ensuring the children and youth have access to organized recreational activities remains a priority, as well as continuing to reduce barriers families face in the community.
“Addressing the needs of our community is vital and this led to the creation of a Youth Program in September held at the main site Monday to Friday,” the organization states in a release.
“We recognize the importance of retaining our members and providing them with not only space, but age-appropriate activities to develop their skills and abilities in a leadership capacity. This has been a significant achievement in meeting the needs of our community and the needs of our community’s youth. We continue to work towards funding objectives to support this program on an ongoing basis.”
Raising community awareness and engaging community businesses and organizations remained a priority in 2017, club officials state.
Presentations were made to various community bodies such as the 100 Women Who Care and the 100 Men Who Care groups. This is in addition to the numerous community contacts and presentations that have been made on an ongoing basis to generate revenue, engage and educate the community.
“We have seen continued growth in the positive contacts that have been developed through this work,” a press release states.
“The City of North Battleford along with the business community continues to move in step with us and provide the support we need in meeting the needs of the children, youth and families of the Battlefords. We have noted this work has not only had the local impact desired, but has also led to developing relationships at the provincial level for the recognition of the support needed for our organization.”
