BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE MUSKEGON LAKESHORE PO BOX 1018 Muskegon, MI 49443
CEO CORNER Monica Turnbull, CEO As many of you are aware, our beloved Clubhouse faced a devastating fire on August 12th. It was a heartbreaking moment for our entire community as we realized the extent of the damages; knowing the fire would cause a significant delay in the long-awaited reopening of the Clubhouse. Our Clubhouse will not just be a structure; it will be a symbol of resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit of the Muskegon Lakeshore community. The simplest things do make the world less complicated for our youth. Now more than ever, it’s these simple things that mean the world to kids — a trusted adult to say, “I believe in you,” three dependable meals a day, a safe place to go after school. The Clubhouse will provide a safe and nurturing environment where our Club members can continue to learn, grow, and thrive. As we navigate this situation, it is essential to remember that the heart of our Club lies not in bricks and mortar, but in the connections we foster, the dreams we nurture, and the opportunities we provide. The fire did not diminish our resolve; instead, it ignited a stronger sense of purpose within us. Our commitment to the youth in our community remains unwavering. Together, we will overcome any obstacle that comes our way, just as we've overcome the challenges of the past.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 106
2023-24
WINTER
EDITION
CLUB CONNECT
20,939 meals served!
A NEWSLETTER OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE MUSKEGON LAKESHORE
CEO Corner: Message from Monica Turnbull Youth of the Year Recap Save the Dates for Upcoming Events The World is Complicated Donor Highlight Sponsor-A-Youth Clubhouse Construction
750
hours spent on homework or reading! January-October 2023
Club Youth attend
27
different schools!
Learning about the environment with West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Clubhouse Construction
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support, whether it's through donations, volunteer work, or the simple act of believing in our mission. Your faith in the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore is what fuels our determination to create a brighter future for our youth. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth in our community, ensuring they thrive, learn, and continue to grow into confident, responsible, and caring individuals. As we look forward to the reopening of our Clubhouse, we will keep you updated on our progress and anticipate welcoming you back to our newly renovated facility in 2024. With heartfelt appreciation,
Monica Turnbull, CEO
Save the Date 05.18.2024
STEAM Projects are a huge hit at Clubhouse!
ember ly Nov lace r a e n ll bega her for the P e insta t Signag coming toge to Become. It’s all All. A Place for
August arson fire damage in the racquetball court. Remediation of the 90,000 sq ft facility is well-underway!
Geo prese thermal re nta pre the N tion to do sentative eal Fi n g tness ors and F ives a riend Cente r/BGC s of ML.
With support from community partners, BGCML has grown to serve over 1,400 youth annually. Since BGCML’s doors opened in 2015, the Club’s impact has seen measurable advancements in academics, behavior, and health . And we’ve done it without a place to call home. Thank you to all of our Clubhouse donors, partners, and friends for joining us as champions of our Muskegon County youth! If you would like to get involved, contact Richard, Resource Development Director by email, rvanderputte-mcpherson@bgclubmuskegon.com or phone 231-268-0240
Clubhouse Juniors hiked Dune Harbor Park and placed their painted rocks for others to find and enjoy!
Bob & Merle Scolnik Club Orchard View Club Sites Oakridge Club Sites Fun, safe and educational programs for youth to enjoy after school and during the summer!
Available to youth from ALL Muskegon County schools!
Oakridge Club created the Plushie Comfort Project, donating hand-made plushies to Every Woman’s Place
Healthy meals and snacks provided daily
Youth of the Year Charlotte Wicks Congratulations to our 2023 Youth of the Year, Charlotte Wicks, a Senior from Muskegon Public Schools! Charlotte won a $2500 scholarship to college, university, or trade/vocational school. Congratulations to our YOY runner-up, Connor Arevalo, and Junior YOY winner, Si’Nya Briggs, and runner-up, Aubrey Spurgeon. Thank you to our other Junior YOY participants, Jordan White, and Malia Anderson, and to all of our participants!
Jordan W., Charlotte W., Aubrey S., Si’Nya B., Connor A., and Malia A.
“I have grown to be an advocate for my community, and being a part of the Boys and Girls Club has given me an opportunity to make a difference in my community. As elected Keystone Club President and with the Social Emotional Learning programming I’ve built on my leadership, listening, and planning skills.” ~ Charlotte Wicks
Save the Dates
The World is Complicated Thank you. Those are two words you’ll keep hearing over and over. Because no matter how challenging the world is for young people today, there’s nothing they can’t do when they have you.
Donor Highlight
Dave House & Devi Kamdar We support the BGCML because their programs put students on the path to become successful and productive adults. Capability is distributed equally across all neighborhoods, but some students face an opportunity gap. BGCML helps level the playing field for the kids who need it the most.
Thanks to your commitment to children and teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Muskegon Lakeshore this past year, Club kids in Muskegon County had access to a safe and supportive community that’s opening a world of opportunity: 1,045 kids had a safe place to go after school and during the summer to receive meals, homework help and life-changing experiences. 75% of Club kids expect to graduate from high school and attend college, university, or trade/vocational school. 88% of Club kids say they can stand up for what’s right, even if their friends disagree.
~Dave & Devi, House Family Foundation Clubhouse Campaign Donors
(Jan-Oct 2023)
Now that’s something to celebrate. While today’s world feels full of problems, the simple things youth get at the Club give them the tools they need to take it on. “Club has always been a very healthy, happy environment. I have always felt safe and respected while I have been in the Boys and Girls Club. The staff at Boys and Girls Club are always available for everyone and makes the experience better. They are funny, respectful, flexible, very selfless and trustworthy people. I want to thank Mr. David for making the experience so perfect.’” -Connor, Club member This holiday season and always, THANK YOU for giving youth the simple things that make their world a little less complicated.
Dave & Devi visited from California in July. Visiting Club members, experiencing S.T.E.M. projects, and getting a sneak peek of the The Clubhouse.
Sponsor-A-Youth CHANGE. A. LIFE.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore serves 1,400 youth every year at five different Club sites in Muskegon County. Our registered Club members have access to all aspects of The Blue Door Experience during out of school hours and summer.
01/01 - National Mentoring Month, What to get involved let us know! 01/11 - Volunteer Orientation - Be A Defender of Potential, Check social media for updates! 02/01 - Black History Month, Activities and awareness all month-long! 05/07 - Youth of the Year, Club member that wants to get involved? Let Club staff know! 04/22 - Earth Day, Do you have a way to involve Club Youth? Let us know! info@bgclubmuskegon.com 05/18 - Great Futures Gala, Muskegon, MI, Our annual GREAT BIG fundraiser! 06/17 - Summer Parks Open, All current and new members sign up starting in the spring!
You can help us mentor them by sponsoring a Club member for just $50 a month, or $600 a year. Visit BGClubMuskegon.com/donate to give online.
To get involved contact us at info@bgclubmuskegon.com or all 231-375-5576 to get connected today!
Bob & Merle Scolnik Boys & Girls Club Club Site Hours Oakridge Upper 1050 W. Southern Ave. Elementary and (Temporary) Oakridge Middle Any youth in Muskegon (Must attend school to County. M-F after school attend Club sites) until 6:00 PM M-F after school until 6:30 PM
Questions about donations, monthly gifts, or planned giving? Contact Richard, Resource Development Director by email, rvanderputte-mcpherson@bgclubmuskegon.com or phone 231-268-0240
Cardinal Elementary and Orchard View Middle (Must attend school to attend Club sites) M-F after school until 6:00 PM
To give a gift online, scan or visit BGClubMuskegon.com/donate BGClubMuskegon.com
Some of our Board Members choose to give monthly. Don't hesitate to ask them for BGCML related giving advice. Do you see any familiar names? Ted Anton, Jon Covington, Chris Dean, Christina Fecher, Jenny Hart-Locke, Nate Heyboer, Andy Hoezee, DJ Hilson, Spencer Hines, Don Kalisz, Jack Kennedy, Tim Kozal, Chris McGuigan, Frank Peterson, Bob Scolnik, Brianna Scott, Peter Wills, and Tony Wilson