Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

By Erin Gloster, Editorial Intern

Mission: To save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive, and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to great futures.

Meet Lavante, a young man who grew up separated from his father and mother in the penal system. Having never grasped the concept of “family,” Lavante joined the W.W. Woolfolk Boys & Girls club and eventually regained his self-confidence and changed his perspective on life. He flourished into an influential leader through the different programs, mentorships, and activities that BGC provided. With a passion for helping others, he strives to become an advocate for kids with incarcerated parents.

Nubia, a member of Douglas County Boys & Girls Club, joined in search of friendship and community. Having grown up home-schooled, she felt different than the other children. But, with the help of BGC, Nubia has found her niche, in the arts — participating and winning countless accolades through different art programs at her club. She now feels like she is a part of something.

Getting involved with an organization is one thing, but when joining the Boys & Girls Clubs as a volunteer, lives change. Everyone has the opportunity to be the voice of change in a child’s life, or the positive adult figure they never had.

For more than 75 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta have fostered the values that the organization was based on, and produced a safe, positive, and engaging environment for boys and girls around Atlanta. With a goal of 90 percent of the youth being served three days or more per week to be on track to for on-time graduation, living healthy lifestyles and giving back to their community by 2020, volunteers are crucial to the success of the club.

BGCMA offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities in the areas of academic success, healthy living, and character and leadership development for individuals and groups who want to change the lives of the youth in Atlanta. Volunteering regularly as a mentor is the most impactful opportunity one can participate in while being a part of BGCMA. Through one-on-one interactions with the children, volunteers are able to impact their lives more closely. Volunteers can also tutor, help the children with the art of speech writing and public speaking, or coach or assistant coach intramural sports.

Every day, more success stories like Lavante and Nubia are told within the walls of BGCMA. Join the movement and be a part of that journey.