Since its inception in 1939, the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg has been an after-school and summer safe haven in which youth of the greater Harrisburg area can “develop essential skills, enhance academic knowledge, make lasting connections and have fun daily”.  The Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg offers a wide range of positive and stimulating activities for youth 6-18 years old, including programs for character leadership, social and academic skills (i.e. Power Hour and STEM) and industrial and physical arts. PACT member and previous Executive Director, Yvonne Hollins, has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg to provide these engaging activities for over 11 years. Since Mrs. Hollins’ retirement, Director of Programs, Tymia Green, continues the mission of providing these activities so that children and teens may have positive outlets for healthy development.  “We realize everyone has a gift and it’s very important to do whatever we can to nurture our children to provide them with all resources they need to become positive productive people . . . in this day and age there’s a dire need for that.”

Over the past several years, the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg has celebrated great accomplishments from their youth. Most recently within their academic Power Hour Program, 100% of youth at the senior level graduated, 57% demonstrated academic growth in reading and math, 100% progressed to the next grade, and 99% of seniors graduated on time. Several of their youth have also gone on to attend college or enlist in the armed forces and 12 members are now college graduates!

Looking ahead, the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg plans to broaden their base to support more youth in their journeys to becoming positive and productive members of society. They currently seek community member volunteers who are willing to share their time and skills with youth of the organization. Additionally, as their current financial support comes to an end, the Boys & Girls Club seeks new donors and sponsors who are willing to support the organization’s great initiatives. More information about the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg and ways to become involved can be found at their website (www.bgchbg.org), social media handles (Twitter and Facebook) and by phone (717-234-3268).

We applaud the Boys & Girls Club for their great work in helping our young people!