Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth

January 2^nd, 2012

The New Year is in full swing now, and we all know what that means: New Year's Resolutions! We asked the Club members at Steil Boys & Girls Club about their goals for 2012. We hope to help every youth reach their goals! Read their great responses:

“My goal is to be in the swimming championship in January.” -Brenda Cortez

“To play soccer.” -Cameron

“My goal is to help my mom more because she works a lot.” -Aby Vargas

“My new year’s resolution is to do better in school. I plan to do this by working harder.” -Maria V.

“Take classes in college.” -Joel

“I want to make new friends.” -Alexandra
“My goal is to go to cheerleading.” -Arianna

“My goal is to get in better physical condition. Being healthy is good for you. Start riding my bike more.” -Anonymous

“My New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight.” -Raymond

“To do the best in school and do what I need to and nothing else. Also, listen to my teachers and parents.” -Kenneth

“To play in my back yard.” -Kamani

“I will play pool.” -Ian

“Make my school basketball team. It is important to me because it can be in my record for when I go to the NBA. I plan to reach my goal by playing for the school team.” -Jovon H.

“To do my homework.” -Jonathan

“My goal is to grow and get my room.” -Danny

“My goal is to catch my biggest fish.” -Kobe

“I want to be a cheerleader next summer because it’s fun.” -Georia

“I want to do cheerleading next summer, and I also want to do boxing too.” -Cindy Cortes

“I want to do nothing.” -Maria

“I want to cheerlead next summer.” -Arianna
 

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December 22^nd, 2011

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December 12^th, 2011

In the Learning Center at the Steil and Seidman Clubs, our focal point is Power Hour. Power Hour is an extended educational enrichment program emphasizing outcomes to help ensure academic success. Power Hour is based on a point system. Points are awarded for work completed. If participants do not have homework, we provide standardized worksheets and books for them to participate.

Offering homework help and tutoring, the program is designed to raise the academic proficiency of Club members, as early as kindergarteners, with continuous support as members’ progress through seniors in high school. We encourage them to pursue a post-secondary education and develop a lifelong love of learning. We offer Power Hour during the school year Monday-Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm. Power Hour has been successful with the support of our dedicated staff, Calvin College Students and volunteers.

Since September, both the Steil and Seidman Clubs have had a record 2,120 visits to our Power Hour program by Club Members. “It’s exciting to see the kids each day at Power Hour work so hard on their homework with the tutors. It’s a busy place to be after-school!,” explained Bailey Dalton, Education Coordinator at the Seidman Club.

“I think Power Hour has really made a difference in the academic achievement of the kids that come consistently through the Learning Center. It’s so rewarding to see their report cards each quarter and see improvement. The kids also get excited about seeing their grades go up,” commented Jamie Prawdzik, Director of Arts & Education at the Steil Club.

In their own words: Here is what some Club kids have to say about Power Hour.
“My favorite thing to do is make picture projects and plays on the computer and then act them out!” - Ariana, age 10
“It was fun when we used math to make chocolate with Ms. Jamie”, - Valeria, age 13

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November 20^th, 2011

We have been given the opportunity to be part of a plan to re-open the doors at the Paul I. Phillips Recreation Center through a partnership with the City of Grand Rapids. We are thrilled to share with you the anticipated creation of another neighborhood Boys and Girls Club at the Paul I. Phillips Recreation Center! We hope this Club will begin programming at this historic site before next summer.

This partnership with the City represents a tremendous opportunity to serve more kids; and it also presents a significant challenge that we are willing to accept on behalf of the kids that we will be able to serve. This opportunity brings a wonderful facility back into community use; and the challenge motivates our leadership and supporters to generate the funding to ensure meaningful programs for the youth in that area.

Read more in the MLive article here.

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October 17^th, 2011

“Our children are the foundation upon which the legacy of Grand Rapids is to be built on,” said this year’s 3rd Annual Steak & Burger Dinner keynote speaker, Bill Barkeley. “They will take us on journey we cannot possibly imagine as they take the reins of leadership and independence.” Read more of this article here!

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