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T O G R E A T F U T U R E SNewsletter of the Boys & Gir ls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Winter 2013/2014

In This Issue:Page 2 Season of Giving, Letter from the President Page 3 New Independence Teen Center, Bike Club Page 4 Teens Get Innovative, Basketball, Club All-Star Hailey Garnett-Washburn Page 5 Mental Health Dialogue, National Triple Play Conference Page 6 2014 Youth of the Year, Club Members Giving BackPage 7 Club Alumnus Damon Bryant Page 8 Kids Corner: The Best Part of Christmas, What Christmas Means To Me Page 9 Upcoming Events, Distinguished Service Award, 2013 Dinner On Ice

helpKCkids.org

As we enter into this holiday season, we want to thank you for your support and for advocating on behalf of the young people we serve every day, right here in our community.

If it were not for you, there would be thousands of young people without a place to call their “home away from home”-- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. For that, I say thank you.

Looking back over this past year, I am constantly reminded how important our work is to this great city we call home. This year we were able to serve nearly 8,000 youth. For our teens, many graduated high school and are now going on to college, trade school, military or the work force and becoming productive citizens. Some of them will tell you, if it were not for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, they would not have received that diploma.

As you hear me say often, I envision the day when 100% of young people in our community graduate from high school with post-secondary plans.

This year, we had 90% of our senior Club members accomplish that goal. In many parts of our community, the graduation rate is less than 65%. Simply put, the Clubs work!

One of our shining graduated seniors, Brittany Kinney is now attending Prairie View A&M University on both an academic and bowling scholarship.“Because of Boys & Girls Clubs’ many programs, I discovered who I was and what I wanted to do as a life-long career. With the mentoring, opportunities and encouragement, the Club built my confidence, enhanced my skills and sent me off to the real world fully prepared and ready to take charge of my life. Money Matters, SMART Girls and Keystone Club all helped me realize my personal strengths and weaknesses. They taught me how to be a leader, how to impact and motivate others and how to become the best version of myself. As of now, I’m a double major in finance and accounting with hopes of becoming a CPA. I’m doing well in my studies, looking forward to my classes and having an amazing college experience. Bowling is going great and I absolutely love my teammates and coach. I’m truly fortunate to be able to be at college, doing what I love and preparing for a career that I look forward to, with the support of my Boys & Girls Club community.”

- Brittany Kinney

Brittany is just one example of a great future started at the Clubs. We are planning to have an exciting and productive year in 2014. Our goal is to help build brighter futures for even more youth in our community. We look forward to your continued support.

A Message from Our President

Wrapping Up A Successful 2013THE SEASON OF GIVINGIn 2013, nearly 8,000 youth joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and received the support and guidance they need to build better futures for themselves and their community. You can help make this holiday season a bit brighter for Kansas City’s youth by joining the Clubs’ effort to ensure every child has the opportunity for a great future. Give the Gift of a Great Future, donate today. Visit helpKCkids.org or call 816-361-3600.

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Clubs envision a bright future.

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Over 7,000 teens in Independence, Missouri make the daily choice of what to do after school. With limited options available, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City recognized the need to provide quality after-school programming tailored to the high school demographic. The Clubs responded to this need by breaking ground on a $1.6 million Independence Unit Teen Center. The new addition will nearly double the daily capacity of the current facility and provide Independence teens with a place to call home.

As part of the 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game festivities, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City renovated the Independence Unit. Thanks to the generosity of the Kansas City Royals and local community partners, the Club received a total makeover, providing a fresh, new facility for the children and youth of Independence. Phase two of the project is the construction of a Teen Center to increase overall capacity and provide a unique space for high school Club members.

Working with Kansas City Power and Light and the Hall Family Foundation, the Clubs secured 100 percent of the funding needed to begin construction. The new addition will increase the average daily capacity to 250 youth, a 48 percent increase from

the number of youth the Clubs currently serve. In keeping with the Clubs’ vision, the Teen Center will be a dedicated space for teen Club members, providing the tools and resources necessary to keep them on track for high school graduation with post-secondary plans.On Tuesday, October 22, city leaders, officials and Club supporters gathered at the Independence Unit to break ground on the Teen Center. The new facility will include a computer lab, gymnasium, game room and dedicated areas for Club programming, including Keystone Club, the teen leadership group. Estimated opening of the new facility is set for Spring 2014.

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BIKE CLUB GIVES BACK

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New Independence Teen CenterClubs break ground on $1.6 million Teen Center

In partnership with the organization Free Wheels for Kids, Club members participated in Bike Club, a unique learning experience and opportunity to give back to the community. Youth in Bike Club learned bike safety and discovered how to build a bike step-by-step through hands-on learning. The Club members then donated the bikes to local elementary children.

“I feel proud that I was able to do something that would help someone’s life, and I’m sure the feeling was mutual for all of us in the Club,” said Rebecca, 10th grade Club member.

Each Bike Club member also got their own bike to repair and keep. Bike Club members organized a ride around the community to celebrate the completion of the program.

FREE WHEELS FOR KIDS HELPS CLUB MEMBERS BUILD BIKES & CHARACTER

Clubs envision a bright future.

Bike Club members with their new bikes

Club members, donors and supporters gathered to help celebrate the ground breaking

(Left to right) Tom Cochran –BGCGKC Eastern Jackson County Advisory Board Chair, Jo Stueve – BGCGKC Corporate Board Chair, Nautic Simpson – Boys & Girls Club Member, Dr. Dred D. Scott – Independence School District Deputy Superintendent, William H. Dunn, Sr. – JE Dunn Chairman Emeritus,

Terry Bassham – KCP&L Chief Executive Officer, Toby Cook – KC Royals Vice President Community Affairs and Publicity, Don Reimal – Mayor,

Independence, MO, Dave Smith – BGCGKC President & Club Alumnus

Teen Club members at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City got creative and innovative with help from Milbank Manufacturing. Expanding upon the established partnership with the Clubs, Milbank Manufacturing created the Milbank Mentors program to give high school Club members a full-cycle of real-world business experience in the manufacturing industry.

The Milbank Mentors program is a project in which a small group of teens, interested in technology and manufacturing, work hand-in-hand with Milbank employees to progress through the phases of manufacturing. Teens began with the research and development phase to sketch out their plans for an innovative invention to meet the needs of today’s society. As they progress throughout the school year, the teens will work in the fields of design, manufacturing, marketing and sales to create a full-circle experience within the business world.

As a result of the research and development phase, teens laid out a plan for a new protective cell phone case, complete with a stand and flashlight. Stay tuned for more information about the Milbank Mentors program as our teens create their product.

Teens Get Innovative With Milbank MentorsClub members design multi-functional cell-phone case.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MEMBERS HAVE HIT THE COURTS, KICKING OFF THE 2013 – 2014 BASKETBALL SEASON. BASKETBALL IS ONE OF THE PREMIER SPORTS THE CLUBS PROVIDE WITH NEARLY 350 CHILDREN AND YOUTH PARTICIPATING ANNUALLY.

The Clubs’ basketball program is an organized, intramural league provided at all five Club locations. Children and youth, ages 5-18, compete in one of five co-ed leagues based on grade level. Teams are led by staff and volunteer coaches dedicated to impacting lives through the game of basketball. December through March, each Club site hosts weekly games for a specific age division. In

March, teams will compete for the championship title after being placed in a tournament bracket based on their season record.To see a full schedule of basketball games, visit helpKCkids.org/programs/youth-sports. All basketball games are free and open to the public so come on out!

HAILEY GARNETT-WASHBURNAGE 12

Hailey Garnett-Washburn was selected as a Club All-Star because of her excellent leadership skills and dedication to making the Club a better place. Hailey currently works as a Junior Staff member, assisting the Membership Coordinator with daily tasks. Hailey comes to the Club every day,

ready to go above and beyond for her Club and its members. She brings a lot of energy to every task she is asked to do and serves as a role model for younger members. She demonstrates true character and positivity when interacting with her peers.“I AM SO EXCITED TO HAVE SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE YOUNG LADY AS A CLUB MEMBER.”-TARA NICHOLS PROGRAM DIRECTOR, INDEPENDENCE UNIT

Favorite Club Program: Power Hour - Reading

Favorite Part About Coming to the Club: Junior Staff - Helping out at the front desk

Favorite Hobbies:Reading and hanging out with her friends

Favorite Subject in School: Reading & Writing

CLUB MEMBERS HIT THE COURTS

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Club members brainstorm ideas with their mentors from Milbank Manufacturing

Hailey Garnett-Washburn

Teens playing basketball at the Thornberry Unit

INDEPENDENCE UNIT

Teens Get Innovative With Milbank MentorsClub members design multi-functional cell-phone case.

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Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City (BGCGKC) crowns a Youth of the Year representative from each of our five Club locations. From among these five, one overall BGCGKC Youth of the Year is selected. These individuals represent the organization’s mission and values, and serve as ambassadors for the Clubs for the duration of the year.

Samuel Smith, the J&D Wagner Unit Youth of the Year and 2013 BGCGKC Youth of the Year, joined Courtney Calhoun, Independence Unit Youth of the Year, on a prominent stage, representing the Clubs at the national dialogue on mental health. The mental health dialogue, called for by President Obama, aimed to open the conversation on mental health and its misconceptions, to find innovative community-based solutions and to develop clear action steps that complement local activities moving forward.

Smith and Calhoun took the stage in front of 360 participants gathered for the program. They spoke about mental health as it applies to the nation’s younger generation, addressing the impact mental health can have on youth development and the need for more education and support to address these issues.

“Some people are so afraid of judgment that they will live their whole life

pretending to be someone they’re not,” Smith said. “I am glad to know there is more and more support to educate youth on mental illness.”

Both youth received a standing ovation from the crowd. Smith’s participation in the mental health dialogue even influenced him to focus his senior capstone essay on mental illness.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR SPEAK OUTBoys & Girls Club youth speak to crowd at NationalMental Health Dialogue.

Two youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City got the chance of a lifetime, traveling to Colorado Springs, CO to participate in the National Triple Play Leadership Conference hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.Kaleb and David, teen Club members at the Wyandotte County Unit, joined Athletic Coordinator, Andre Parks, at the Triple Play conference to learn how to engage more Club members in fun, safe and healthy activities. Club members from across the nation gathered to discuss healthy lifestyles and effective implementation of the Triple Play program. Highlights of the conference for Kaleb and David were the workshops and the dialogue on childhood obesity. The conference provided both young men with hands-on learning experiences while building their leadership skills and self-confidence.While in Colorado, the youth also had the opportunity to meet former Olympic athletes, tour the Garden of the Gods and shadow professionals from the sports industry.

“It was a great learning experience for me to see and hear about the values Olympians have.” David said.

“I thank Boys & Girls Clubs for the opportunity to attend. I am ready to implement and put our plans into action for

our Club kids and community.” Kaleb said.

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TRIPLE PLAY CONFERENCE

David and Kaleb at the Triple Play National Conference in Colorado

2013 BGCGKC Youth of the Year, Samuel Smith

2013 Independence Unit Youth of the Year, Courtney Calhoun

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Established by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in 1947, Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, the Youth of the Year title recognizes Club members for their service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.

Throughout the year, the Youth of the Year program fosters youth character, development and leadership skills. Club members, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to compete in front of a panel of judges to earn their Unit’s Youth of the Year title. The Unit winners will compete in the 2014 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City’s (BGCGKC) Youth of the Year competition being held in February. This premier event gives the Greater Kansas City community a chance to see the future of Kansas City’s youth.

In early April, the 2014 BGCGKC Youth of the Year will travel to Jefferson City, Missouri for the state competition. He/She will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members from across Missouri for the state title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.

State winners move on to vie for the distinction of one of five regional winners across the country, and ultimately contend for the title, National Youth of the Year, and a $50,000 scholarship.

This fall, eleven Club members have been selected to compete for their individual Unit’s Youth of the Year title. The following youth will be competing:

J&D Wagner Unit: Leroy Walters (Class of 2015) Aariana Hinton (Class of 2014) Wyandotte County Unit: Xbrie Morrow (Class of 2014) Rebecca Morris (Class of 2016) Thornberry Unit: Destnee Walton (Class of 2016) Aleecia Piggie (Class of 2015) Marquon Goldsby (Class of 2016)Independence Unit: Alexandria Williams (Class of 2016) Anya Stone (Class of 2016) Hawthorne Unit: Gabrielle Solomon-Russell (Class of 2014) Jaylen Robinson (Class of 2014)

Volunteering is one of the most meaningful and effective ways to give back to the community. Understanding the value of volunteerism, at the Clubs we instill in our youth the importance of giving back.

All five Club locations participate in community service projects to engage Club members in volunteering. Here’s a list of a few recent activities:

• Volunteers at several 5K Run/Walk events, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

• Club members visit the elderly at local nursing centers through the Building Bridges program

• Community and neighborhood clean-ups

• Organized recycling programs for their community to help encourage environmental stewardship

CLUB MEMBERS GIVING BACK

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2014 YOUTH OF THE YEAR COMPETITIONBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Club members will compete for the 2014 Youth of the Year title in February

2013 Youth of the Year Finalists

Wyandotte County teens volunteer at 5K

Born and raised in Kansas City, Damon Bryant joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Thornberry Unit, when he was in the sixth grade. It didn’t take long to find out Bryant enjoyed the game room the most, often being found playing 8-ball, ping pong or air hockey.

Beyond his passion for the Clubs’ game room, Bryant developed a strong respect and admiration for the Clubs’ staff members who made his time at the Club most enjoyable. Bob Palmer, Chuck Stokes and Wanda Taylor are three staff of note that made a significant impression on Bryant, each showing their compassion for their work in a different way.

“Your childhood is precious—and the Boys & Girls Clubs gave us a protected

environment just to be kids.”

-Damon Bryant

Through his connection with Club staff, Bryant was given the opportunity to participate in a college work-study program, funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Bryant worked for the Clubs on nights and weekends as he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. One of his fondest memories as Club staff was the day he met Ewing Kauffman. His generosity in supporting the work-study program instilled in Bryant the importance of giving back.

After graduation, Bryant spent several years working for various television stations across the United States.

Eventually he landed back in Kansas City, now working as Vice President of Creative Services for FOX 4. Bryant recently reconnected with the Clubs and now volunteers on the Marketing Committee, assisting with the alumni campaign. As an alumnus, he has many fond memories of the Clubs and relishes the chance to give back.

“Those of us who benefited from the Clubs should be given an opportunity to remember, to say thank you or to invest in the next generation,” Bryant said.

Once a Club kid always a Club kid.

If you are a Club alumnus, we would love to hear your story. Please reconnect with the Clubs by emailing [email protected] or visiting our website at helpKCkids.org to join our mailing list and find out about special alumni events.

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CALLING ALL ALUMNI

Are you or someone you know a Boys & Girls Club alumni? Did you attend a Club in Kansas City or one of the 4,300 Clubs nationwide? If so, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City wants to hear from you! The Clubs are searching for all alumni and encouraging them to reconnect. The Clubs take pride in their ability to transform lives and each alumnus or alumna is a testament to just that. Share your story and learn how you can give back to the Clubs that once gave so much to you.

Get connected. Visit helpKCkids.org today to join the mailing list.

Stay up-to-date on all special alumni events and receive more important information from the Clubs.

Get social. Join Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Facebook group at

facebook.com/groups/ClubAlum to share memories with other Club alumni.

Club Alumnus Gives Back Club member, Club staff, Club volunteer; Club alumnus Damon Bryant has done it all.

Club Alumnus, Damon Bryant

The meaning of Christmas to me is spending time with my family, drinking hot cocoa, listening to Christmas music and playing board games.I love singing holiday songs with my sisters and brothers and when my uncle joins in it is hilarious! I love this time of the year because this is when family is the most important, shopping with my aunts, buying gifts for everyone in our family and stopping by Pizza Hut to order my favorite pizza.When Christmas break from school comes, it is time to start baking homemade cookies and brownies. The smell alone makes me go crazy with excitement of what is to come!

This time of the year also allows me to remember all the great times I had with my grandma. She is in heaven now watching over us and looking at the new memories we are creating, telling each other how much we love them.

KIDS CORNER

BEST PART OF CHRISTMASThe best part of Christmas, to me, is my family, friends and helping others. The season is about showing that you care about someone else other than yourself; showing compassion for others and the ability to give, not just receive. Christmas is special to a lot of people in the world. What is Christmas? Christmas is a yearly holiday celebrating Christ’s birth. Some people don’t celebrate Christmas, they celebrate other holidays such as Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday, celebrated much longer than just one day. What me and my family do to celebrate Christmas is to have a nice dinner, inviting all my family and friends over to celebrate Luckily for me, my birthday is the day before Christmas, so I really get to enjoy the holiday.Here in Kansas City, there are a ton of ways to celebrate and have fun around Christmas. We often spend time going ice skating and walking around the plaza,

enjoying ourselves and our time with one another. We also gather the whole family to play board games and sing songs around the Christmas tree. On the holidays where there is snow, we love to go outside and play in the snow, having snowball fights, sledding down tall hills, and building snowmen. Those days where the snow falls, we volunteer to help shovel snow for those people who may not be able to do it themselves. After all, Christmas is about the season of giving. Our family looks for ways to give back to our community and our neighborhood.

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By: Destnee, Thornberry UnitWHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO MEBY: GABRIELLE, THORNBERRY UNIT

Tuesday, November 12 proved to be another exciting evening on the ice as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City celebrated the 5th Annual Dinner On Ice event with the Missouri Mavericks hockey team. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and super silent auction before sitting down in the arena at the Independence Events Center for a fun and unique dinner on the ice - served by the Mavericks hockey players.Part of the fun of the evening comes from the players earning tips from their tables with crazy performances and stunts. You never know what will happen at Dinner On Ice, and this year was no exception! From singing to push-up contests to Ice Capades style skating performances, the players were game to try anything and certainly didn’t disappoint the

230 guests in attendance. (And the tips, of course, all go back to the Club kids!) A great time was had by everyone, and best of all - over $50,000 was raised to support the Clubs’ crucial programming at our two Eastern Jackson County Units. We can’t wait to see what surprises the 6th Annual Dinner On Ice event will bring in 2014!

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YOUTH OF THE YEARFEBRUARY 2014

Come hear the inspiring stories of future leaders at our 2014 Youth of the Year competition! Celebrate the achievements of our five finalists and watch them compete for the Greater Kansas City title. Visit helpKCkids.org in January to get to know our five finalists.

KIDS NIGHT OUTMARCH 28, 2014

Join Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City for the 2014 Kids Night Out! This year’s event, held at the Overland Park Convention Center, assures to be a hit! Stay tuned as we announce who our 2014 celebrity guest will be!Visit helpKCkids.org for sponsorship opportunities or to purchase your tickets today.

STAY UP TO DATE For up-to-date news and activities check out the Clubs’ social media: facebook.com/helpKCkidstwitter.com/helpKCkids

WYANDOTTE COUNTY UNIT WINS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Wyandotte County Unit was recently honored at the 2013 Community Leadership Gala. The Community Leadership Gala, hosted by the Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center, is an annual event developed to show the appreciation and encouragement of leadership in our communities. The event celebrates business and community leaders and their outstanding demonstration of character, commitment, civility, community and citizenship.At this year’s Community Leadership Gala, the Wyandotte County Unit received the “Distinguished Service Award” in recognition of our outstanding leadership and contributions to the community with regard to disadvantaged youth and families.

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUB NEWS

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2013 Dinner On IceClubs get big win with help from Missouri Mavericks.

Missouri Mavericks hockey players who served as waiters for the evening

230 guests were served dinner on the ice at the Independence Events Center