never underestimate the power of dreams and the
i n f l u e n c e of the
human spirit.
>wilma rudolph
OUR STORY The story of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta began in 1933 with a man named Jim Woolfolk, a probation officer with the juvenile court in Fulton County, Georgia. He realized a true need to better serve the children of his community, and with the sustained involvement of a group of dedicated individuals, he was able to acquire a donated building and adequate funds to open the Atlanta Boys Club in May of 1938. Over the years, new Clubhouses have been established and the mission expanded to include girls into our programs. Many accomplished, well-known individuals have made their way through our clubs, and thousands of children have paved their own way out of the cycle of poverty to realize a better future. Thousands have been the first in their families to graduate from college, have established a fulfilling career and are model citizens in their own communities.
Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta serve ten counties with 25 clubs, helping over 10,000 children and teens each year. Civic groups, such as Kiwanis and Rotary, and the families of the individuals who first helped to establish the organization, are still some of our most ardent supporters and have been joined over the years by many more. Each supporter continues to believe in the potential and future of every child we serve. Building upon a foundation rooted in years of experience in youth development, our organization embarked on a new journey, envisioning that, by 2020, 90 percent of our youth will be on track to graduate on time, live healthy lives and give back to their communities. This vision requires a road map, a strategic plan that calls for significant investments in our people, places, programs and processes.
3X
students who study art are
more likely to receive awards for
school attendance.
THE ROAD MAP In 2014, we launched the Open the Door Campaign to invite others to be part of our story. We seek supporters who strive to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and teens, many of these children living in the most under-served neighborhoods of Atlanta.
THE ROAD MAP The Campaign will provide resources to three specific and necessary areas: [ Technology ] : The average “age” of a computer in our Clubhouses is seven years old. The need to replace and properly supply clubs with improved technology is a top priority, and this investment will allow us to expose our members to technology in order to better position them for success in future education and workforce.
[ Capacity ]: To do better for kids, we have to be better. Hiring and retaining top talent is imperative in the success of our youth, and we hope to provide innovative training for all Club staff. We also want to build our capacity to secure more financial resources to sustain operations long after the campaign is over. [ Capital ] : We know the important role that certain spaces can play in delivering a quality experience for our members. Whether it’s an art room, gymnasium or media center, having modern and well-equipped spaces lends itself to greater programming and better experiences for kids. Knowing that our Clubs are high-activity spaces that see 300+ faces a day, we realize that our clubs are in need of “some love”. Some facilities call for cosmetic upgrades (new flooring, paint, signage, etc.), while others need fullscale renovations.
THE HARLAND STORY Through the generosity of a man named John H. Harland, an Irish immigrant and owner of a check printing company, Atlanta’s West End saw a dream accomplished with the completion of a Boys Club facility in 1970. The design of the Harland Club was unique to other clubs at the time, and proved to be a catalyst for future club designs. The Harland Club has served thousands of children in its many years of service. It has become a place where members have learned to swim, play basketball, receive academic tutoring, learn important leadership skills and navigate technology. Today, the Club serves more than 150 children and teens every single day and, while the programs have evolved over the years to meet the ever-changing needs and interests of its youth, the mission of helping them reach their full potential has remained steadfast. However, many of the programming spaces are unfit to use, and much of the original structure is in disrepair. The decision was made to create an entirely new Club that will better serve its community and can again act as a catalyst for future clubs.
71%
of low socioeconomic status students
with arts-rich
experiences attended
c o l l e ge a f t e r h i g h s ch o o l
THE ROLE OF THE ARTS The arts has been integrated into Boys & Girls Club programming in many ways for years. Exposing youth to opportunities that allow them to express themselves and nurture their creative talents provides a powerful vehicle for their development. In recent years, research has proven the importance of youth participation in arts and music programs in the development of academic achievement, critical thinking skills, character development and self-confidence. While we’ve expanded our arts programs, the interest and demand from our members continues to grow, particularly in neighborhoods where art programs are limited. The convergence of a new building and improved access to the arts will be a powerful vehicle in our members’ development.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: INTRODUCING THE NEW
JOHN H. HARLAND BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
THE INNOVATION & EXPRESSION STUDIO (TIES) The Innovation & Expression Studio is an exciting new facility that immerses children and teens into learning, achievement and creativity in the heart of Atlanta’s Westside. As a unique approach to youth development, we seek to engage our members in the creative process to help them realize their full potential as confident, creative and compassionate individuals. It will serve as the Art Hub for the entire Boys & Girls Club organization, giving thousands of kids the opportunity to work with professionals and teachers in well-equipped studios in a hands-on environment in the areas of visual, performing and media arts.
The pages to follow will provide a glimpse into the spaces in TIES, and below are some of the programs that will be offered: >> dance >> music >> visual arts >> graphic design >> animation
>> photography >> ceramics >> film production >> culinary arts >> theater
UP 23 x 7" = 13'-4"
F
DW
OR
arland BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
LUCILE AVE SW, I-20
l Floor Plans
H, 2017
PEEPLES ST SW
TA, GA
MAIN ENTRY
FIRST FLOOR
UP
dining + culinary
3D art
admin + meetin space
2D art
maker space
gallery space
gymnasium
dance + performance
OAK ST SW CULBERSON ST SW N 0
PEEPLES ST SW
LUCILE AVE SW, I-20
TIES: A LOOK INSIDE Through the Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation and Expression Studio, Atlanta’s youth will be immersed in a “maker community” that is surrounded by spaces, tools, and professionals that encourage members to imagine, design and
SECOND FLOOR
6 sq ft
music production
teen loft
film + video lab
cafe
design + tech lab
create. TIES is turning the corner from tradition into a creative
OAK ST SW
vision, and its programs will empower our members to be the architects of their lives as they work towards graduating from high school on time with an immediate, obtainable plan for their future.
CULBERSON ST SW
ART STUDIO | GALLERY The Art Studio & Gallery Space is located on the first floor, and provides traditional studios for visual arts that facilitate drawing and painting. This space also hosts an art gallery where members can proudly display their works of art. The gallery can also function as a space to host community events and functions that can display the strong culture and personality of the club members, even in their absence.
MAKER SPACE The Maker Space is an environment where the wildest and most creative ideas can be designed through technology and innovative processes. This learning space facilitated in the digital arts is located on the first floor, and extends to the outdoors for flexible learning and creativity. This space can produce both 2D and 3D concepts, and will lead members on a hands-on discovery process.
TEACHING KITCHEN The Teaching Kitchen is located on the first floor, and is a space for members to become exposed to healthy eating and cooking habits. Cooking demonstrations will teach members about nutrition, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to prepare healthy, nutritious meals. This space is also adjacent to the outdoor garden, which will complement the teaching kitchen programs. The kids will have the opportunity to experience this atmosphere handson, learning the skills they need to successfully lead healthy lives.
GYM-NATORIUM A Gym-Natorium is a gym outfitted with a performance space for dance classes, live performances and other creative events. This space will facilitate member to member interaction in a laid-back, fun atmosphere where personality is expressed and appreciated.
TEEN LOFT | SPOKEN WORD CAFE The Teen Loft & Spoken Word Cafe is located on the second floor of the Harland Club, and is a dedicated space for teens to meet and exchange ideas. This teen-only space presents an opportunity to mix various art genres, maximizing creative engagement between members. Teens will be able to participate in activities like storytelling and creative writing, and will be able to connect and build positive relationships with each other and the staff as they navigate through outlets that will help them express their creativity.
TEEN LOFT | SPOKEN WORD CAFE MUSIC STUDIO On the second floor, a fully-equipped Music Studio gives members acess to create and record their own music. Some programs that are offered include singing workshops, music engineering and music production. Allowing kids to express themselves musically provides flexibility in creative expression, recognizing that creativity can be emulated in many different ways.
TEEN TECHNOLOGY LAB The Teen Technology Lab, located on the second floor, is a state-of-the-art technology lab that is designated for teens to explore graphic design, coding, and other aspects of the technology industry. This exposure will open more doors for members when the go onto college or the workforce, and will better equip them to pursue their dreams.
JOIN OUR STORY
we’re all
stories,
in the end. > steven mof fat
Stories start to unravel a never-ending dialogue of growth and discovery. Stories are how we inherently start to understand how we are different, but more importantly, how we are similar.
We invite you to be a part of our story. Be part of the story of a child who can experience the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation & Expression Studio and be inspired to become more. Help craft a story of hope and opportunity, where talents, strengths and self-worth are realized and maximized. Despite the many challenges of today, we seek to foster a new reality for our members, a new story where a life of success, happiness and helping others is achievable. We have set a goal to raise $9,000,000 by December of 2017 with an anticipated grand opening of August 2018. With your contribution, the lives of over 9,000 children and teens can experience a creative atmosphere to learn, grow, and write a promising and exiting next chapter in their lives.
1275 Peachtree Street NE, #500 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 bgcma.org
GREAT FUTURES START HERE.