CEO and Moline Rotarian, Torri Smith, provided a wonderful presentation about the Boys and Girls Club. It seems as time and challenges come, they get bigger and better. Much has evolved in her seven year tenure.
The local club carries the benefits of national branding, but is given the autonomy to provide programming that supports our community. They updated the mission statement about three years ago to better show why they provide so much to our kiddos. Torri provided a video that did an excellent job showing the comprehensive resources available to local children between the ages of 6 and 18.
They see 55-60 kids a day, on average. The summer program has 104 enrolled. There are more girls (52%) than boys (48%) who attend. The enrollment includes approximately 80% Hispanic. The majority are between the ages of 9 and 12.
Funding comes from a variety of sources. Special events provide 41%, including the upcoming golf outing on June 30th. They receive about 22% from grants, and the rest from personal donations, in-kind gifts, and various other contributions. According to the 2024 annual report, annual expenses are about $1.3 Million.
They function on five pillars. Children must include one hour in one pillar during their daily visit. This includes education (STEM), the arts, leadership/character, health/wellness, sports/recreation. Within these areas, they are provided a menu of possible activities they can choose to do.
Kids arrive about 3 pm during the school year. They have a pick-up from Lincoln-Irving, Moline High School, and John Deere. They have 4 vans, Metrolink provides one bus which does a pick-up from Hamilton. They will occasionally do other pick-ups as time and availability allows.
The first period is called “The Burn” to allow the kids to take about 20 minutes to use up some of their energy. Then they provide a snack. This is followed by the “Power Hour” for homework or other academic work. Then they work on their “pillar” activity. Dinner is provided by Two Rivers YMCA. Once they are done, they have free time until they are picked up at 6 pm.
The summer schedule is eight weeks from 8 am until 3 pm. They use a program called “brain gain” to keep their minds primed until school begins again. The curriculum is provided by corporate Boys and Girls Club.
They have many ways you can be involved. Donations are welcome. They always have opportunities for mentors, chaperones for field trips, school supply drives, be on an event committee or executive committee, and many other options. Check out their website for inspiration. Please follow and share their social media and sign up for the quarterly newsletter to receive the latest news.
