'Programs In A Box' Home-Delivered To Contra Costa Youth

Martinez CA

19 February, 2021

9:57 PM

Description

MARTINEZ, CA — Before the pandemic hit, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa was serving more than 250 kids each day at its Martinez clubhouse and three school sites in West Contra Costa. When stay-home orders went into effect and distance learning became the norm, the nonprofit organization started hearing about the struggle some parents were going through. "Parents have been expressing concerns about the negative impact of distance learning," CEO Michael Dunn said. "Our solution was to develop a program that requires youth to get hands-on! Our programs have materials delivered weekly to kids' homes. The kids then complete projects and upload them to a secure website to share with our staff and their friends." The Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa's "Program in a Box'' provides engaging projects in STEM, art, sports and cooking. Boys & Girls Club staff members create videos about the materials in each box so club members can follow along at home. Program bags are ready for delivery. (Photo by Rebecca Barrett/Boys & Girls Clubs Of Contra Costa The organization that has been serving Contra Costa youth since 1956 sees it as a creative way to help support parents while keeping kids social and engaged during these unprecedented times. "I spoke to a parent recently who started crying because her daughter has been struggling with distance learning, and our home-delivered program materials provided a much-needed change of pace," said Keirstan Faulkner, director of programs for BGC Contra Costa. Staff members also stay engaged with youth through weekly Zoom calls. "This pandemic has been challenging, but we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our youth engaged, and having fun," Dunn said. "We are confident that this program will be very beneficial for our youth and families in Contra Costa County as we continue to work around Distance Learning." Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa at Bgccontracosta.org. The organization is also in need of donations so it can continue offering these programs.