Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington COVID-19 Response

As we can tell from our daily lives, the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic will linger in many ways in our local communities and throughout the world. WA Clubs are no exception, with many positive practices retained in safety, hygene, community connections, staff retention and most importantly, programs and activities offered to our tens of thousands of Club members across the state.

There are also ongoing negative impacts of the pandemic that are affecting our youth, and Boys & Girls Clubs are proactively stepping in to assist our members in every way possible. Numerous recent national studies show significant decreases in educational outcomes for America's students, including falling behind in math and reading, fewer high school students enrolling in college, and mental health for all students still in decline despite returning to in-person instruction and school activities.

Boys & Girls Clubs in WA are actively invseting time and resources in assisting up to 75,000 Club members in these areas. Local Clubs are training staff in trauma-informed care, so that early signs of mental health struggles in our members are easily recognized and families are connected with community resources. Clubs are investing in additional tutoring and mentoring services to help kids and youth catch up to grade standards. And Club staff are focusing on positive, supportive activities and relationships with Club members to encourage self-care, perseverance and hope.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our Clubs throughout WA! Without you, our Clubs could not continue to be such a critical resource in every community.