The Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County‘s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. They provide safe and educational out-of-school programs geared towards our three priority outcomes: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. Our Clubs serve about 250 youth each year, with two locations in Frederick and a third location about to open up at Brunswick Middle School! They are also partnering with Heather Ridge School to begin volunteering & offering our “Passport to Manhood” program to their students during the school day, as a way to reach even more youth and help them succeed!
A conversation with Lauren La Porte, Director of Development
Tell us your business origin story!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County opened its first Club in partnership with the City of Frederick’s Housing Authority at Sagner’s Village Public Housing Community in 2002 under the oversight of Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County. This Club offered after-school programs for low-income children at a nominal cost which would be waived if the family had financial challenges. In 2009, Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County officially became its own chartered organization with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a separate entity from Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County carries on that mission in our effort to create a safe, accepting space for Club members and their families. The Club also works to address issues of equity, providing the members who attend with opportunities to develop hard skills like academic performance, but also soft skills like social-emotional intelligence and positive relationship-building skills.
What do you like most about being a business located in Frederick County?
We love the collaborative, generous nature of the Frederick community! This community is so supportive of our Clubs and our youth, and we love the willingness of the local government, agencies like the Chamber of Commerce or United Way, and other nonprofits to build partnerships that allow us all to do more in service of this great community! As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats!
What makes your business unique?
One unique characteristic of Boys & Girls Clubs is that we rely on trained, paid professional staff members to work with our youth every day. Safe is our number one priority, so prior to stepping on the floor to work with youth, staff members are background checked, CPR/First Aid certified, and extensively trained in child safety, child abuse prevention, and positive youth development techniques. Through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we also have access to over 150 nationally developed and tested programs to run with our kids – from nutrition education, to STEM, to college and career explorations, and beyond!
What do you want your business to be known for?
We want to be known as the premiere after school program for youth in Frederick County; for providing a high quality AND affordable program that is accessible, ensuring no child or family in need is ever turned away based on inability to pay. We also want the community to know that each Boys & Girls Club organization is its own locally run 501c3; we are not funded by the national office, but instead must raise our own funds here locally. Our mission would not be possible without the generosity of our community!
How can the community support you?
We are always seeking donations to help keep our Clubs affordable. The majority of the youth we serve receive financial aid towards their membership dues. Fees collected from families only make up about 10% of our operating budget, and so it is up to us to fundraise the rest. Every donation we receive enables us to offer financial aid and full scholarships, ensuring no family is ever turned away based on inability to pay. Donations can be made online bgcfrederick.org or by mailing your gift to 413 Burck St. Frederick, MD 21701. Contact us at 240-831-4333 for assistance or more information.
What do you do best?
We strive to provide a safe, positive environment for youth to spend their out-of-school time, giving them a safe space to be themselves and connect with their peers, all while keeping it affordable for the families we serve. In the words of one Club parent: “The Club is teaching my son respect and discipline. It helps him focus. He doesn’t smile anywhere else but as soon as he comes in here, he’s smiling.”
Is there anything else exciting about your business that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
Right now we are gearing up for our signature fundraising event, the 3rd annual Battle of the Bands! This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th from 3-8pm at the Frederick Fairgrounds. It is being held in partnership with Let There Be Rock Schools, featuring performances by bands from the Rock Schools as we highlight our mission of providing opportunities for youth in Frederick County. Last year’s BOTB winner, Kill the King, will also come back to perform at this year’s event as a headliner. We invite everyone to join us for a day of live music, local food trucks, wine and beer from Hidden Hills Vineyard and Rockwell Brewery, and fun & games for the whole family! More information and tickets are available at botbfrederick.com.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.