Director’s Report from CEO Eldonta Osborne amid COVID-19

COVID-19 can be a scary time for kids. Many haven’t seen their friends in weeks, and, despite technology, they can feel isolated and withdrawn. Our staff is working hard to reach out to our kids in a safe and fun way. From handing out enrichment packets to virtual programming, we want our members to know we are here for them even when our doors are not able to be open.

With job disruptions making it more difficult than ever for hardworking families to feed their children, we are also providing nutritious snacks and meals. Since late March, we have served more than 600 meals daily at 4 Club-sponsored sites.

While this is a start, we know when our doors re-open our members will need us more than ever. However, we cannot get to that day without help now. On an average day during the school year, 271 kids walk through the doors at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana.

Your support can help re-open our Club doors for these members so that we can continue to provide out-of-school programs that include homework help and stressing the importance of healthy habits.

With unemployment on the rise and the long-term economic impact of COVID-19 unknown, it’s crucial that we equip our young people with the essential skills to successfully enter the workforce. Also, when our Clubs re-open, there is a concern that mental health resources will be needed to help youth as they transition out of this difficult time.

Our new normal is full of uncertainties, and we understand the difficulties it is bringing to families and businesses. As we ask for help, we also want to give help to those we can support. You have been there to help us through our best times, and we want to help you through these unprecedented times we are all enduring.

If we can serve you in any way, please let us know. Together, we can do whatever it takes to support our community now and long after this crisis is over. We might have different ideas of what success looks like, but we can all agree we have to work together to get us to great futures for our families, our businesses, and most importantly our kids.