Post on 23-Aug-2020
GREAT FUTURES ARE STILL POSSIBLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page 1
INCREASED SUPPORT TO
YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Page 2
FAMILY FOOD
DISTRIBUTION
Page 3
VIRTUAL LEARNING
Page 4
LOOKING AHEAD
Page 5
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Page 5
Along with the rest of the world, we’ve been closely
monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19. These are
confusing, anxiety-filled and uncertain times for all of us. It
has brought uncertainty and disruption to the youth and
families we serve. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern
Illinois’ top priority has not changed: the health and safety of
the youth we serve and the important work continues, it just
looks a little different during this time of uneasiness and
uncertainty. We have stepped up to make sure that “those
who need us most” continue to get services to feed the
bodies, minds, and soul of Club members and families.
There will be more challenges for our youth when our Blue
Doors swing open to greet them. Learning loss, anxiety and
fears impacting their emotional health, isolation that may
have led to undisclosed abuse and neglect, social isolation
and confusion as to what behaviors are acceptable and not
acceptable after this pandemic. We are and will continue
‘Doing Whatever it Takes’ to build better futures and are
excited to have the community support behind us and the
kids as we continue to be the constant in the lives of our
youth.
Respectfully Yours,
Tina Carpenter, CEO
COVID-19 IMPACT REPORT May 2020
Increased Support to Youth and Families
The safety of our kids and families is ALWAYS our number one priority. BGCSI is doing
everything possible to keep our kids, staff, and volunteers protected from the spread of
COVID-19. During this time, we continue to monitor needs in our community and are
increasing support for our youth and families as they now face additional challenges with
school closures, work disruptions, and potential illness and health concerns. We are
activating the following supports:
• Youth and Family Check–Ins. BGCSI Social
Workers and Youth Development Professionals
continue to connect with our families to make
sure they have the support they need during this
difficult time with weekly phone calls.
• Distribution of Educational Material and
Curriculum Packets. BGCSI distributes
educational material to promote academic
support and reduce learning loss during school
closures.
• Age-Level Books Distributed. In order to
encourage reading and literacy, books are
distributed throughout the week during dinner
pick-up.
2,075 Check-In Calls
conducted
March 16 - May 15.
1,250 + Books & Curriculum
Packets Distributed
March 16 - May 15.
Family Food Distribution
In partnership with Carbondale Community
High School and local restaurants, BGCSI
offers free lunches and dinners Monday -
Friday and free dinners on Saturday. This
Family Food Distribution Program helps
address the increased food insecurities
youth and families are facing with work
disruptions and school closures caused by
the COVID - 19 pandemic. This Food
Distribution Program began on March 16 and
has continued to increase in numbers as the
Shelter at Home Order continues.
8,900 Meals distributed
March 16 - May 15.
LOCAL RESTAURANT PARTNERS
The Family Food Distribution Program would not be possible without the support of these local
restaurants who rolled up their sleeves and partnered with BGCSI to provide meals for
distribution:
Bandanas Barbecue
Cristaudos
Cozy Cake Cafe
Culver’s of Carbondale
Dominos
Don Sol
Emma & Arnie’s
Fazolis
Hunan
Jimmy John’s
Italian Village
Kroger
Little Caesars
McAlister’s Deli
McDonald’s of Carbondale
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Naomi Ariel Catering
One Hot Cookie
Panera Bread
Pita Alley
Pizza Hut
Popeye’s Chicken
Primos Pizza
Rise Above It Bakery
Southern Illinois Collaborative
Kitchen
Subway of Carbondale
Taco Bell
Thai Taste
Tres Hombres
Virtual Learning
BGCSI launched a virtual learning platform on March 16. Each week staff members
prepared organized opportunities to welcome and engage youth and families with daily
health and wellness activities, Book Club readings, STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, nightly story time, and teen engagement
activities. After the Governor extended the mandated stay-at-home order and canceled
school for the rest of the academic school year, BGCSI launched Zoom Tutoring for K-8
and High School, and Live Virtual Programming.
12,500+ Minutes of virtual
programming
watched on
Facebook from
March 16 - May 15.
30 Hours of virtual
programming provided
each week on
Facebook and Zoom.
Looking Ahead
BGCSI continues to review opportunities to reopen in
June. How this will look is in review. All procedures for
the reopening of the Club will follow the
recommendations made by the Board Safety
Committee, CDC, and local Health Department to
assure the safety of the youth we serve and our staff.
How You Can Help
While social distancing measures are currently limiting volunteer engagement at the
Club, please consider supporting BGCSI in the following ways:
• Make a monetary donation to support Club activities.
• Donate hygiene and cleaning supplies, school
supplies, games, and activities for Club youth.
• Sew or donate masks for Club members and
staff.
• Promote and share our organization on social
media to build awareness.
• Share employment resources for families
• Write encouraging notes to our youth or Club
staff.
To make an in-kind donation of any of the items listed above, please contact
Kassie Taylor at ktaylor@bgcsi.org to arrange a drop-off time at our Springer Street site.
GIVE NOW!
• Online: www.bgcsi.org/
imagine-the-possibilities
• By Mail:
BGCSI
PO Box 3092
Carbondale IL 62902
Connect With Us
/boysandgirlsclubsofsouthernillinois @BGCsouthernIL