On March 23, 2021 the Washington State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Washington for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clubs were celebrated for providing emergency childcare for essential workers in the early stages of the pandemic, serving as food distribution centers, and providing distance learning support to thousands of students.
We are grateful to the Legislature for this important acknowledgement, and are exceptionally proud of the hundreds and hundreds of frontline Boys & Girls Clubs employees who have tirelessly worked many extra hours since last March to support those kids and families who need us most!
Club members at the O.K. Clubhouse and the Teen Turf Club had a very special visit today from Washington State Governor Jay Inslee while he was touring Southwest Washington! Last month, while competing in the Washington State Youth of the Year competition, our honoree Alura was able to share her Club experience with the Governor and left a lasting impression.
At the Club, Governor Inslee was given a tour by Club members and staff, followed by a teen roundtable talk. Teens shared their passions in the community, their Club experience and issues that teens and youth face today during the roundtable conversation with Governor Inslee. Club members revealed later that they felt excited and empowered to be able to share their experiences with the Governor.
In 2020, Amerigroup was a vital partner for Boys & Girls Clubs across Washington State. Their support allowed Amerigroup Medicaid youth members to participate in local Boys & Girls Clubs programs. Amerigroup members are provided FREE annual Boys & Girls Clubs memberships by going to their local Club and identifying themselves as Amerigroup members.
Without this service, many low-income and at-risk kids in our community would not have had the opportunity to be part of Boys & Girls Clubs. The annual membership includes after-school activities, including healthy lifestyles programs, mentoring, and homework assistance.
Communities Served by Amerigroup’s Support in 2020
Amerigroup Holiday Card
Amerigroup supported the creativity and spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs members by having a Seasons Greetings Card Contest. There were over 60 submissions in 2020.
Contest winners were featured on the Amerigroup Seasons Greeting Card, received their own set of cards for their family and friends, as well as prizes for their participation.
Covid-19 Response
In March of 2020 Clubs faced an unprecedented public health crisis impacting programs and, more importantly, the youth we serve. Throughout Washington State, many Clubs saw a huge transition in community need and quickly adjusted to best support our membership.
When Covid-19 forced sudden school closures, Clubs made a commitment to fill the gaps in accessible youth care, food scarcity, and academic support by keeping our doors open for families in need. With out-of-school learning, food insecurity increases, and educational gaps widening, we are doing whatever it takes to ensure every child has equal access to resources, trusted mentors, and safe learning environments.
Amerigroup helped to promote and sponsor the 2020 Washington State Youth of the Year. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 2020 competition took place virtually with teens from across the state. They exhibited their leadership skills and have demonstrated their ability to represent their peers.
15 Teens competed from across the state of Washington. These leaders are chosen by their local organizations based on their community service, academic success, and personal character.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC), in collaboration with BGCWA, has identified a cohort of Clubs to receive funding in support of prevention programs. Funds will target communities and Clubs with the greatest need, reflecting higher Medicaid populations. UHC has committed funds aimed at fostering a positive impact on youth mental health through programs focused on Healthy Lifestyles. The partnership will advance our mutual efforts to foster healthy lifestyles among Washington’s youth.
This partnership also provides a vital benefit to UHC Medicaid youth members to participate in local Boys & Girls Club programs. UHC members are provided free annual Boys & Girls Clubs membership by going to their local Clubs and identifying themselves as UHC members. The annual membership includes after-school activities, including healthy lifestyles programs, mentoring, and homework assistance.
Youth of the Year 2022 Sponsorship
The nine Youth of the Year Finalists from across Washington gathered together for the first time at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle. These young people provided service to their communities such as volunteering in their local Clubs, their local food banks, as well as being strong examples of perseverance and positivity to their peers and families.
Congratulations to Johanna & Sam for being selected as the 2022 Washington State Youth of the Year Winners!
Thank You UnitedHealthcare for Supporting this Event!
2020 Mental Health Grant Program
Four Club Organizations benefitted from programmatic investments made with the help of UnitedHealthcare’s grant program. Clubs received grants ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 to assist with mental health programs for their members.
Laptops Donated by UnitedHealthcare
In the month of April UnitedHealthcare donated laptops to Boys & Girls Clubs across Washington. With virtual learning still prevalent in many areas, Boys & Girls Club members were connected to greater educational opportunities, unleashing their full potential as students. Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue used the UHC donated laptops to jump start their robotics program. Club members continue to thrive thanks to the support of UHC.
This partnership also provides a vital benefit to UHC Medicaid youth members to participate in local Boys & Girls Club programs. UHC policy-holders are provided free annual Boys & Girls Clubs membership by going to their local Club and identifying themselves as Apple Health recipients. The annual membership includes after-school activities, including healthy lifestyles programs, mentoring, and homework assistance.
Kids thrive on emotional connections and predictable routines, so while some kids may be enjoying the time away from school, many may be confused and struggling to understand what has happened to the world as they know it. Remember, in times of uncertainty, it is very important to reassure the young people in your life and thoughtfully talk to them about what is going on.
Here are some tips to help kids manage the anxiety & stress around Coronavirus:
Be open to answering questions. Kids may ask why this happened and seek to understand the impact on their life. You do not have to have all the answers, but encouraging kids to express their feelings and being open and honest will continue to instill their trust.
Don’t project your own fears. It is natural to feel vulnerable and scared, but it’s important not to overwhelm kids with emotions and to remain calm and in control. Kids will often take emotional cues from adults. If trusted adults appear to be nervous or scared they will too.
News of Coronavirus is everywhere so manage the flow of information. Try to avoid having TV’s on stations that continue to report the event, and monitor your child’s intake of information on social media. Don’t minimize the event, but try to avoid over exposure to media reports.
Remind kids that they have trustworthy and supportive adults in their lives who are still working to keep them safe. Accepting their feelings and communicating with them will demonstrate that you are there.
Restore hope in the future. Regain faith in the future by planning a small activity that will take place in the future so they have something with which to look forward.
Remember, coping with stress will make you, the young people you care about, and your community stronger.
Congratulations to Ethan & Alizabeth for being selected as the 2021 Washington State Youth of the Year Winners!
We are happy to share with you our 2021 Military Youth of the Year Ethan from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and 2021 Youth of the Year Alizabeth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. These two remarkable leaders were chosen for their outstanding club story and commitment to their communities. Together they represent the very best of what the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington have to offer.
Please consider supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington State with a donation today!
Thank you to all the wonderful Youth of the Year Finalists from across Washington State. These teens are and will continue to be leaders in their local Clubs. We look forward to seeing them continue their journeys as outspoken and character-rich individuals.
The nine Youth of the Year Finalists from across Washington have been leaders long before the Covid-19 pandemic so when challenged befell them and their communities, they were quick to provide help. Like many Boys & Girls Club members, these remarkable young people understand the power of service. Some volunteered in their local Clubs helping with homework, others spent time at local food banks, still more were a strength to their peers and families.
This year’s Youth of the Year Events were unlike any other with a full transition to virtual platforms and finalists participating from their local Clubs. Despite the distance, they were able to forge new friendships and be celebrated in all corners of Washington.
The Finalists first met over Video Conference to build relationships, practice interview and speech skills, and to calm some nerves. Staff members from Columbia Bank, title sponsor for this year’s Youth of the Year Celebration, meet with finalists for a professional interview coaching session. Finalists met with Washington’s leaders including a virtual conference with Governor Jay Inslee and a town hall discussion with Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz.
Following the competition, the Boys & Girls Clubs across Washington came together for a Virtual Youth of the Year Celebration. Hosted by last year’s Youth of the Year winners, special guests such as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant, Washington State Senator Reuven Carlyle, and Retired NBA Player Jamal Crawford were all featured to recognize this year’s finalists.
Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington State recognizes alumni who have served their communities after their time at the Clubs. Inductees this year included Washington State Senator Reuven Carlyle, and Retired NBA Player Jamal Crawford. You can learn more about our Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees HERE.
Congratulations again to all the finalists of the Washington State Youth of the Year!
