Boys & Girls Club of East Providence Announces Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Support for SMART Girls

The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence is pleased to announce that Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) will continue to sponsor the SMART Girls Program for the third year.

SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 10 and up.  Through dynamic sessions, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls build skills needed to live healthy lives, including eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with adults.

BCBSRI began their support for this program in 2012; program participants have not only increased their knowledge about making healthy choices, but also have developed deep bonds with the fellow participants and program leaders, ensuring they have a safe place to ask questions about their journey through adolescence.  The program includes more than 40 girls each year.

“Thanks to the ongoing support of BCBSRI, SMART Girls has become a cornerstone of our after school programming, ensuring that the girls participating are gaining the knowledge that they need to make healthy choices through their teen years and beyond,” said Club Executive Director Erin Gilliatt.

“Engaging young people in creating healthy habits early in life is critical to lifelong health and wellness.  Partnering with entities such as the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence and investing in programs like  SMART Girls is an important part of BCBSRI’s strategy for improving the health of all Rhode Islanders,” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer for BCBSRI. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, we are placing emphasis on the importance of programs like SMART Girls, which promote improving the health and wellness of Rhode Island’s younger generations.  We commend the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence for their efforts to empower Rhode Island’s youth to lead healthy lives.”

The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence has been serving the youth in our community since 1932, with more than 275 children participating in programs each day.  For more information about SMART Girls or any other Club program, visit our website at www.epbgc.org or contact the Club at 401-434-6776.