National Survey Indicates Great Achievement After Program Review
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of Texarkana has earned national recognition for high achievement on a recent club performance survey. The club has long been known as a great place for children to go after-school offering a wide range of activities to members, in addition to providing a safe and positive environment while parents are still at work. A National survey has recognized the excellence of The Salvation Army BGC program in Texarkana and the outstanding results and progress of the club members.
The National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI) measures the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in a consistent manner using a common set of research-informed indicators. The annual survey measures the degree to which Club members are achieving the outcomes of Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.
The survey also asks members about their perceptions of the Club, known as the Club Experience. The Club Experience consists of five key elements. The first element – a safe, positive environment – sets the foundation for life-changing youth development work. The next key element – fun and a sense of belonging – keeps youth engaged. The last three elements – supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition – help transform time spent at the Club into experiences that change young lives. Responses allow staff to assess how effectively we are implementing the Formula for Impact and delivering a high-quality Club Experience to support positive youth development.
For Overall Club Experience for 9-12-year-old members, the club scored 68%, almost twice the national average of 37%, and for 13-15-year-olds they received a rating of 80%, significantly higher than the national average of 46%.
“We are thrilled with the results of the 2019 National Youth Outcomes Initiative for our club,” said Sandra Golston, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Director. “This reinforces and recognizes the hard work being done every day by club staff, volunteers and parents. Our members are excelling in many areas and we are excited to play a part in their lives as they grow and mature into young adults who will have a positive influence on our city and community.”
“The Salvation Army is grateful for the year-round support of the Texarkana community that enables us to provide assistance to so many,” said Major Russell Czajkowski, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army. “It is so exciting for our club to receive such great results and we are very proud of our young people. This could not be achieved if it were not for the generous investment and contributions made by individuals, businesses and foundations, such as the Clay Eichler Memorial Fund, who support The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.”
For more information about The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, or any other Salvation Army programs, please call (870) 774-2701.
The Club is located at 2300 Buchanan Rd in Texarkana. As always, secure donations can be made by visiting www.salvationarmytexas.org/texarkana or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
