Meeting Teens Where They Are!
“Azahni and Tamiyah work through a community mind mapping exercise at the dedicated teen space in the East End.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Virginia, all Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond closed their doors in compliance with state and city public health directives. Despite this facility shutdown, our Clubs have found new ways to serve members and their families.
Marvin Green, BGCMR's Teen Team Director, has weathered many storms and tough times with Club families over the years. While closing the Clubs presented extraordinary challenges, this new scenario also sparked staff creativity in finding new opportunities to serve the community. "Our Clubs have always been open," says Marvin. "It didn't matter if there were tornados or snowstorms. We have always been there to serve Club members and their families."
The current facility closures and social distancing mandate present unique challenges for our Clubs. While the entire country is enduring hardship, the social and economic conditions in some Richmond neighborhoods make life especially difficult for many Club members.
In January the Clubs began providing transportation so that 15-to-18-year-old members could gather at a dedicated teen space on Tuesday and Thursday nights. At this East End location, the teens engaged with peers and staff, enjoyed warm meals, and participated in goLEAD, an accredited leadership empowerment training program (pictures above).
Through this initiative, Teen Team staff members helped the BGCMR vision build momentum and attract more of our community's underserved teen population.
Today, with the Clubs closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvin and his team have developed creative ways to engage Club members in their homes. In addition to daily calls and social media networking, the Teen Team has been dropping off food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene necessities to Club members and their families.
“There is no place we won’t go to serve families that need us the most.”
"By reaching out in their neighborhoods, we are still able to serve Club members," he says. "There is no place we won't go to serve families that need us the most."
Marvin and his dedicated team recently launched a full online video Club experience that features mindfulness sessions, social hours, and health and wellness instruction.
"I do miss the Club, but it makes me happy that they reach out and find things for us to do because it keeps me busy," says Bright, a six-year member of the Southside Club.
Todd McFarlane, President & CEO, says that BGCMR will continue to adapt and establish alternative channels for delivering vital programs and services while Club facilities are closed. He also believes the organization will be in an even better position to serve the community when Clubs open their doors once again.
"Because of the work we are doing now to support our kids and their families," says McFarlane, "our relationships will be even stronger than ever when we re-open."