The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club – A Positive Place for Kids
National Salvation Army Week, May 10-16, 2021
Dallas, Texas (May 10, 2021) – A significant challenge and concern for many working parents is what to do with their children after school until they get off work. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs offer a great and affordable solution, providing a positive environment where children can learn and grow while mom and dad are still at work – all while having fun.
The Salvation Army is excited to celebrate National Salvation Army Week, May 10-16, 2021. Since 1889, The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help Texans in need from our community 365 days a year, providing assistance to individuals and families who find themselves in crisis, shelter to those experiencing homelessness, food and meals to the hungry, and much more.
Through a partnership with the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Salvation Army operates 17 clubs and community centers in Texas. These programs are powerful and help give young people the skills they need to thrive as adults. Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national programs have taken members from the clubhouse to the White House; from the games room to the corporate boardroom; from the high school orchestra to Carnegie Hall. Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a lineup of tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today’s most pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to succeed in life. More than 30 national programs are available in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, leadership development and athletics.
“Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence,” said Alesia Lane, Divisional Director of Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs. “We provide one-on-one assistance with homework and school assignments, as well as the teaching and advancement of literacy and study skills. Our curriculum also includes spiritual development, character and leadership, health and life skills, the arts, sports and recreation, and education and career development. The club is a safe place where children can make friends and broaden their interests, abilities and aspirations.”
Jennifer is a single mom and money is often tight. Not only is The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club more affordable and open longer hours than other after-school programs, but her kids love going. “My kids love it there, they have a lot of fun. Its peace of mind for me and I know that they’re safe there and are always engaging in activities that are safe and make our family stronger,” said Jennifer. She has tried other programs in the past but has found The Salvation Army’s to be the best fit for their family. The kids never complain about going and come home tired, but happy. “It helps me a lot. I would not be able to work full time without the program and therefore would not be able to provide for my family. Their homework is always done, I never have to help them at home. That’s really nice.”
“National Salvation Army Week is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the service that we have provided to our community over the last year. Who could ever imagine the challenges 2020 and the COVID pandemic would bring?” said Lane. “Although we were forced to close the Boys & Girls Clubs for several months, we have continued to stay in touch with the children and families. Club staff distributed activates and resources to the children and we have been able to provide practical assistance in the form of food boxes to the families. We are excited to have the children back at our clubs and look forward to the continued growth of our programs and students.”
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us online at www.salvationarmytexas.org
###
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org