We Are Thankful For Our Community!

As we enter this holiday season, we are thankful for our wonderful community. Our community, schools, teachers, Club families, and Club staff have continued to step up and support youth year-long, no matter the circumstance.

So many of our families sent us kind words after the Seattle Public School strike. These notes of gratitude have been a source of inspiration for all of us at the Club this fall.

“Thank you for being open during the teachers’ strike. It helps provide stability for my family and complete support to the teacher’s union!” 

“Grateful for the staff and leadership of the club at this time.”

“Boys & Girls Club has been a lifesaver. It’s really challenging. I’m a full-time employee, and so is my partner. It would have been difficult to keep our kid entertained at home… we understand and support the strike, and it is challenging to us as working parents and to our kids.”

“We appreciate you all opening this week and continuing to be a stable place for our kids.” 

“Thank you for serving the community during the school closure!”

“Your work is seen and so valued by our community! Have a great day.”

When Seattle Public Schools delayed the beginning of the school year, many working families were without childcare.  The Club came to the rescue! Club doors opened, running full-day programming (from 8 am-6 pm) for enrolled families.

Because families received little warning of the school delay, Boys & Girls Clubs offered all-day emergency programming for free the first week of the strike. Then continued to be open with reduced fees for families in need.

Families lined up at 7:30 am for our 8:00 am opening. Resulting in 150 kids attending our Ballard Club and 170 at our Wallingford Club for all-day programming.  The parent of a kindergartner shared with us:

“The Club being open provides stability for my family. In times of uncertainty, it’s such a huge deal for our family, 

so I can work … I’m thankful BGC is open.”

Just like when the pandemic started, our Clubs remained open for all-day care when schools were closed. Nearly 700 Seattle youth spent their days at the Club rather than at school during the first week of the Seattle Public Schools strike.

A 6^th grader at the Club said this:

“At the Club, you can play with friends and make new friends. I was kind of worried about my route to school, so I’m glad it got delayed.”

Our Clubs remained committed to doing whatever it took, which included providing a safe place for Seattle kids and families during the strike. We are grateful for our staff who stepped up to provide all-day care for youth in our community. We are thankful for you, our communities’ teachers, schools, and guardians, who, like the Club, are committed to supporting youth. We want you all to know how grateful we are for you. From our leadership team to you:

“I’m thankful for the hard work and dedication of our community members that support youth year-long. I’m grateful for the ways that the Club can participate in nurturing the next generation of leaders. I know that our staff is just one of the numerous dedicated support systems and mentors for youth.  Thank you, teachers, guardians, school members, and all who provide opportunities, access to resources, and safe, supportive environments for youth. You are the TRUE ROCKSTARS!” – Jayme Hommer, Chief Development Officer