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ROCHESTER BOYS & GIRLS CLUB: A LONG-TERM IMPACT Written by Maura Keller | Images provided by Rochester Boys & Girls Club and Dean Riggott H ere’s one thing we know: youth who
Founded in 2000, the Rochester Boys & Girls Club has several volunteer opportunities, including out-of-schooltime programs.
come from financially unstable homes need guidance and support in reaching their full potential. And for more than 22 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester has been serving underprivileged youth through various programming initiatives. Although founded in 2000, the history Rochester Boys & Girls Clubs goes back even further, with passionate local leaders working hard to set the stage and get a brand new organization off the ground. “They were a group of really hard working volunteer advocates that got this thing going,” says Chad Campbell, chief executive officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester. “I’ve only been with the organization for the past five years or so, but the 22-year history is filled with moving, building, renovating, and growing.” At its core, the Boys & Girls Club is built to support kids in reaching their full potential. They mostly do that through out-of-
Most importantly, I find our Club to be a real family. It continually amazes me how the kids know and support one another in good times and bad. It’s really quite moving what happens at Club day-in and day-out. We’re very lucky to be a part of it.
schooltime programs (after school, summer, etc.) and they give particular attention to kids and families who are facing barriers to their greatest success. “I like to think of our primary work as being in relation- ships – providing caring adult mentors for kids, and bringing kids together for mutual support with peers. Within that context, we offer programming for aca- demic support, art, character and leadership, and healthy lifestyle,” Campbell says. “Most importantly, I find our Club to be a real family. It continually amazes me how the kids know and support one
Advantage Magazine | 5
December 2022
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