The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is planning to open a new Club to serve youth ages 6-18 in Ferguson and the surrounding communities. Starting this summer, a new Boys & Girls Club will open in Ferguson Middle School, located at 701 January Avenue, to serve approximately 400 members.
“Creating a Boys & Girls Club in the Ferguson area will produce positive outcomes in a community that has been subsumed with difficult realties and negative images. Moving a successful youth focused organization into Ferguson like Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, which has a long track record of success, can bolster young people’s attitudes and give them a sense of hope. A new club will enrich our children’s lives and the city by helping its youth build strong character, graduate from high school with a plan for life, and become productive citizens,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis President.
“Recent events and research from Brookings Institution highlight the need to strengthen the social sector and youth development infrastructure in North St. Louis County,” noted Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, President and CEO of Deaconess Foundation and co-chair of the Ferguson Commission. “We are pleased that Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, one of Deaconess’ Impact Partners, is so well positioned to respond to the call and encourage others to support their work.”
“The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, has a deep tradition of helping youth throughout the metropolitan area. Having worked closely with teens and local youth organizations since 2010 as part of the Ferguson Youth Initiative, I welcome opportunities that will continue to enrich the lives of our youth. We are truly excited that your organization is starting a Ferguson based club in the near future, that will ultimately benefit our youth and our residents,” stated Dwayne T. James, City Council Member.
Dave Spence, Founder & CEO, Ferguson 1000 adds, “It is imperative that we give the children of our community a safe haven and a place to fill idle time with productive activities. The Boys and Girls Club is a beacon in most communities and we feel confident that the opening of a club in Ferguson is one of many positive steps towards healing our community.”
The Ferguson Middle School Club will be open every day after school until 8 pm and for an eight week summer day camp program. For information on registration, families can call 314.335.8000.