Page 5 - BGC prototype

An Oasis of Peace Four thousand hearts beat together in one place — day in and day out, \{3##\} days a year — within the most diverse zip code in the country. A half mile in any direction, and you’ll be among people of entirely different ethnicities, races, countries of origin, and income levels. But in this particular place, all those differences melt away. That is what happens inside, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester. BGCD has served as the heart of Dorchester for 45 years. The club is famous for teaching generations of neighborhood children and youth to swim and to play basketball, but its offerings and its impact are so much deeper. State-of-the-art video and music production studios. Fine arts and boxing. Leadership development and mentoring. Body building and dance. And education. The club has a deserved reputation for high quality and affordable child care and early education, informed by best practices and love. In the afterschool hours, children and teens can tap into homework help or explore a range of interests. The club actively recruits teen members to serve as part-time staff not only to keep them connected to the club experience and values, but also to get that irst taste of what it means to hold a job and do it well. Growing minds and bodies need fuel to keep going. The Kids Café serves 300 meals a day before all the evening sports and activities begin. The number grows to 700 meals a day during summer school vacation.