40. Community Need For more than 50 years, our mission at the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton (BGCD) has been an anchor and oasis focused on inspiring, developing and helping young people to reach their full potential because we believe that every child deserves a great future. Intentionally located in one of the most resource-constrained neighborhoods in west Dayton, at 1828 West Steward Street, the neighborhood surrounding the Club is home to two public housing developments and approximately 3169 kids ages 5 to 17. These kids are among our city’s poorest, with over 60% of these children living in poverty. The risk factors facing these children are significant - the Learn to Earn Know the Gap Close the Gap report demonstrates that these children face a widening achievement gap when compared to their peers; 43% of the adult residents in the neighborhood have no high school diploma; 17% of the houses are vacant; and per the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, every street adjacent to and within a three-mile radius of the BGCD is a HUD designated target street or an economically distressed street. In addition to these factors, 90% of the children are living in a single parent household and 80% of the children receive free and reduced lunch. The BGCD provides programs and services to approximately 300 members including on site, summer, and after school programs. Our evidenced-based programs are presented by a trained, caring, professional staff, partner organizations like the United Way, Urban League, Dayton Children’s Hospital, University of Dayton, Cincinnati Bell and other volunteers, and encompass a wide variety of educational, citizenship and health related activities, including: life skills development and substance and violence abuse prevention programs; health and fitness programs; literacy activities, including tutoring and homework help; computer workshops, music and sports. Programs for teens emphasize educational attainment, leadership training, prevention of substance abuse and community service. Research shows that Club members consistently outperform their peers when it comes to school achievement, healthy choices and behaviors and civic engagement.

Renovations would enable all programming spaces to be safe, fully operational and efficient and equipped with the technology necessary to close the digital divide and help best prepare students for the community and workforce, and helping each member reach their full potential.