Boys & Girls Club of Erie

A nonprofit organization

Mission & Vision

The Mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Erie is to establish a secure base for every child, upon which they can build a

well-adjusted, independent identity, one capable of dealing with the challenges of childhood.

The Vision of the Boys & Girls Club is rooted in the American experience and the nature and history of the Club, to inspire and enable children to rise above the circumstances and obstacles encountered in childhood.

Principles


  • Foster secure attachments to caring adult mentors

  • Discover and nurture every child’s interest, talent and/or attribute

  • Provide a building centered safe place for youth to grow and learn and have fun

  • Provide diversified activities supported by sound educational and youth development principles and research

History

The Erie Boys Club, founded in 1895, was the 31st Boys Club founded in the United States and one of 53 organizations that created the national organization, Boys Club of America, in 1906.

Boys Club of America was chartered by Congress in 1956 and officially became the Boys & Girls Club of America in 1989.

Programming

The
Club offers a diverse youth development program with a focus on


  • The
    Arts

  • Character & Leadership

  • Guidance & Education

  • Health &
    Life Skills

  • Social Recreation and

  • Sports & Fitness.

We concentrate our resources on having the greatest possible
impact on the kids who come to us.

Impact is defined as the achievement of two key characteristics: mastery of a
skill or attribute and the secure attachment to an adult staff member
or volunteer – all within the civic context of being knowledgeable
of and connected to the larger community. In this way, the Club can
serve a larger civic purpose.

Mentoring with Impact

Mentoring has been a long-standing component of achieving the Club’s Mission. The role that a positive adult relationship in a Club member’s life is important. The Club serves a population where an adult is not always present in their life.

Mentoring with Impact enables Club members to be connected with caring individuals who provide young people with emotional support, friendship and a constructive example in a structured and caring
relationship.

Creating
an Equitable Access

Historically, the Club has always served youth from disadvantaged circumstances, at-risk, regardless of socio-economic status. The programs and activities that the Club offers to its members are at little to
no-cost.

The Club has always emphasized a holistic approach to the development of youth, not just the physical, but also the mental and personal development of each individual member.

A nutritionally sound, hot meal is provided to Club members on a nightly basis. Breakfast and lunches are provided throughout the summer.

Population Served

The Club's facility is located in urban neighborhood. The members who attend the Club live in poverty and are at risk of getting involved in behaviors which include violence, bullying, drug use and truancy.

The
Club serves one of our community’s most vulnerable populations,
children from disadvantaged circumstances. Virtually all of the kids
who come to the Club everyday have a formidable challenge that

stands
in the way of a safe, secure and successful childhood. John Bolby,
generally regarded as the father of Attachment Theory, described that
challenge this way, “All of us, from cradle to grave are happiest


when life is organized as a series of excursions, large or small,
from the secure base provided by our attachment figures” and for
our Club Kids it is the Boys & Girls Club staff.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Boys & Girls Club of Erie

Tax id (EIN)

25-1265501

Address

1515 East Lake Road
Erie, PA 16511

Phone

4044875700