Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club, Aaron's give teens new laptops

As teens across Fulton County navigate social distancing and homeschooling, while preparing for graduation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is stepping up to support them firsthand. Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club is among 20 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta locations in nine counties. Collectively, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta serves nearly 2,800 youth each day. With Clubs currently closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the local nonprofit has pivoted its support to focus on virtual learning and connecting families to the critical resources they need.

Utilizing its trained mentors to provide support, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is equipping teens with the technology they need to stay on track, while also delivering workshops on SAT/ACT preparation, guidance on filling out job and college applications, and support in securing much-need scholarships.

Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club is partnering with Aarons, Inc. to distribute laptops to teens in Fulton County.

“We serve some of the most vulnerable families in Fulton and they face a huge digital divide,” said Executive Director, Terry Mitchell. “Getting our teens access to the equipment they need is the first step, and then we’ll be able to offer them the technical and emotional support they need during this critical time.”

In addition to supporting teens as they head toward college, technical school, and career, the organization is offering its members, ages 6-18, a number of additional resources:

• Centralized Resources to Address Critical Challenges – From food insecurity to housing and financial instability to issues with mental health, thousands of families across the city are facing steep hurdles. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has developed the following centralized resources to help families find the resources they need – www.bgcma.org/foodsupport and www.bgcma.org/findsupport.
• Youth Development Tips & Tricks Video Series – As many parents and caregivers learn new roles and routines with the children in their homes, Boys & Girls is launching the Youth Development Tips & Tricks video series to offer quick tips on everything from homework help to how to have meaningful conversations with kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brx62V8LWDk&feature=youtu.be
• Educational Resources & Interactive Challenges – Now more than ever, children and teens need access to fun, educational, and enriching content that keeps their minds and bodies active. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has created www.bgcma.org/stayengaged as a central resource for kids and parents alike. Through activities such as interactive scavenger hunts on GooseChase, kids and teens can access activities that get them away from screens and ensure their creativity is flowing.

“For more than 80 years, we have been a trusted partner to tens of thousands of kids and teens across Atlanta and our families need us now more than ever,” said Candice Moore, Interim President & CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “As we work to assess the challenges our families are facing, we will continue to step up for them and serve our mission of helping all kids and teens reach their full potential.”

To find out how you can support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, visit www.bgcma.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 20+ Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve nearly 2,800 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that helps kids and teens get college and career ready, live healthy, and develop character and leadership skills. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is approximately $5,700 per member, families are asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each year based on income; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.

Media Contact:

Adrienne Leon

Marketing & Communications Director

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

aleon@bgcma.org