As the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club celebrated its 40th birthday Tuesday, they could also look back on a year of growth.
In her message for the organization’s 2015 annual report, Nicole Combres, executive director since July of last year, said, "We were blessed with high quality staff who delivered high quality services and programs to the children, youth and families of the Battlefords. This was very apparent when we saw our number of children attending almost double from the previous year."
It became common to have 30 to 45 children in attendance on a regular basis at its main site location after school.
"From having maybe five children in attendance for our Saturday programming in the past, we had upwards of 20 children attending our weekend programming," she added.
The year 2015 saw 18,513 total child and youth visits, of which nearly 12,000 were after school visits.
Combres also said they were able to double the supper program, offering supper four days per week, as compared with two days last year.
"This was made possible by expanded partnerships with Innovation Credit Union and Midwest Food Resource Project Inc.," she said.
She also said, "As with last year, we continue to receive incredible support from our local restaurants who make it possible to feed the children and youth suppers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have no doubt this added nutrition has impacted the number of children attending our main site location, which reaffirms the need for our services in our community."
There were 16,256 meals and snacks served in 2015.
Combres said expanding on nutrition was just the start of the club's revitalized programming, including the club's first ever hip hop dance program and improvements to the indoor hockey and soccer leagues.
"Kids in the Kitchen also continued this year, but as with our physical activities, this too was adjusted to further meet the needs of our children attending," said Combres.
Family involvement and engagement programs have increased as well, including the addition of an annual Thanksgiving supper for children and their families.
Combres credited the Boys and Girls Club staff for the success of the past year.
"We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated, passionate and loyal staff," she said. "These individuals work hard for those we serve and continue to give their time (even volunteer their time) in order to make a difference in the lives of the children and youth in our community."
Community involvement and partnerships are also crucial to the success of the organization, she added.
"Without the many partners, sponsors and donors within our community, we would not be able to continue operating, never mind expand and offer high quality programs and services to some of our most vulnerable members of society – our children. Rebuilding, strengthening and developing working relationships has been a major part of my work thus far and I look forward to continuing this."
She also expressed her thanks to the Battlefords Girls and Boys Club board of directors.
"Without these devoted and motivated individuals leading me in my work and our organization as a whole, we would not have the credibility and integrity we have in our community," she said.
Board chair Darcy Woolfitt said in his comments, "Nicole and her staff continued to be a force of nature in the community, building and renewing networks of support with as many agencies that would connect with the club. These relationships are integral to our ability to provide services to the children in our community. The support from local business owners, corporate sponsors and families who have dedicated themselves to supporting the endeavours of the club are appreciated every day that we are able to provide programs and meals to the children who are so deserving of a safe place to be."
The annual report also outlines its 2015 financial information. The majority of the club's revenue comes in the form of grants from Sask. Lotteries - $62,021, the City of North Battleford - $27,625, Community Initiatives Fund - $50,000, the United Way - $24,000, Summer Program Grants - $12,101, BATC CDC - $41,000, Boys and Girls Club national grants - $36,000 and other miscellaneous grants in the amount of $83,909.73 for a total of $299,909.73.
The organization’s largest expense is personnel, which amounted to $288,591 in 2015.
In 2015, there were 64 volunteers working with the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club, a non-profit agency created in November of 1976 to provide for the recreational, cultural, educational and social needs of all children five to 14 years of age in the community.
The mission of all Boys and Girls Clubs in Canada is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.
