FROM THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE NORTHWOODS

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods – Antigo kicked off their annual campaign in May. The campaign raises funds for the Club’s summer and after-school programs and services for youth, grades 1-12. In the campaign’s first phase, board and staff members kicked off the fundraiser with personal donations. The second phase, which is now open, involves seeking contributions primarily from local community members and businesses.

For 20 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods provided a safe place for kids and teens regardless of the difficult times our community may face.  Today, we are committed more than ever to ensure Club staff, members, familiies, and our community have the resources and support they need to navigate these uncertain times due to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Before 2020, it cost $800 per child to maintain the Club environment. That cost rose to $2400 during the pandemic. The work of supporting the future leaders of our community is worth every cent,” says Board President, Tonya Mckenna Trabant.

The youth in our community are facing serious challenges, such as mental health issues and learning loss.  These growing challenges combined with a lack of out-of-school support and mental health resources, creates a huge burden for the youth in our community.  Every day Club staff interact with Club members who are struggling and do not have the positive coping skills necessary to handle negative emotions.

Imagine you are 13 years old and you wake up at 5 am on a Friday to your Mom being arrested for methamphetamine charges.  Your mom is your sole caretaker and you do not have contact with your dad.  You and your younger brother have just been told that you will be living with an older cousin who has offered to foster you while your mom is in jail.  You then ask your cousin if you can go to the Boys & Girls Club for the day because it is the one place that feels safe and consistent in your life right now.

This is a real-life scenario for one of our Club members. The Club member and his brother were dropped off at the Club and spent the day worrying about what was going to happen to their mother, where they would be sleeping that night, and if things would ever feel “normal” again.  Traumatic situations such as this are common for many of our Club members. Our Club has always been a safe space for youth in our community and we will continue to provide the support for the many needs of our community.

“Amazing kids come into our Club every day and share their stories of determination, triumph, and perseverance with us. I invite you to stop by for tour and see firsthand the impact we have on the youth we serve. By investing in our youth, you are investing in the future of Langlade County,” says CEO Angel Zimmerman.

What can you do?

• Give a contribution to our Annual Campaign or commit to a pledge payable by year-end.
• To help us know we can count on you, sign up for monthly giving – $5, $10, $25 a month.
• Continue to talk about the important work the Club does to your network and the greater community.
• Attend one of our upcoming events: Brat Fry at Lakeside on June 25,2021, Harvest For Our Youth – Farm to Table Event on August 14, 2021 or our Bright Futures softball tournament September 9-10, 2021.
• Visit bgcnorthwoods.org to learn more.

We will continue to do whatever it takes to help kids, families, and our community succeed. We cannot do it alone. We appreciate all you have done and all you continue to do to support the Club. Thank you for your consideration!