Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo

06/07/2020

06/04/2020

Today is National Cheese Day and our Clubhouse Members celebrated by tasting different types of hard, soft, mild, tangy and even stinky cheeses, while social distancing.
The tray consisted of Mild Brie, Mimolette, Cranberry Goat Cheese,Garlic & Herb Cheese Curds, Sharp Cheddar Cheese Parmesan/Asiago/Romano Blend, Fresh Mozzarella Pearl's, Figs and Salami.

The big winners were Brie, Fresh Mozzerella and Cranberry Goat Cheese.

Unfortunately Parmesan, Mimolette and Garlic & Herb Cheese Curds did not go over very well.
#NationalCheeseDay

06/03/2020

Today, while social distancing, our members participated in National Running Day! This unofficial holiday celebrates the joys of running and people all over the United States, as well as the world, enjoy this day by participating in running events and reigniting their passion for this activity. #NationalRunningDay

05/29/2020

We are getting ready for our summer program by painting a brighter future at our Masten & Butler Mitchell Clubhouses thanks to a paint donation from Ed Young's Plumbing Service and Hardware Store and Dibble True Value Hardware. We are so very appreciative for your support! True Value #TrueValueofYouth #TrueValueFoundation

05/27/2020

Babcock members may be socially-distant but they are still close to the fun. Members enjoy pizza making, STEM projects, art class and so much more.

05/27/2020

Check out this beautiful garden planted by Clubhouse member Kaylee and Asst. Director Amber. While social distancing they weeded, dug, planted, mulched and watered the garden. This was the perfect opportunity to discuss recent behaviors and how to better deal with frustrations. It was Kaylee's first time gardening and she loved it! Gardening is another way to mindfully deal with our daily stresses and have more one on one time with our members to build those strong, positive relationships we are looking for.

05/26/2020

Members at William C. Baird Cubhouse participated in the Club Olympics while practicing social distance. The event was kicked off with an opening ceremony parade outside with flags they created as well as olympic torches (Ice Cream cones and Cheetos). Some of the events included an obstacle course, standing long jump, running, javelin throw, and basketball shot. Just like any Olympics, medals and ribbons were given out at the closing ceremony.

05/16/2020

Yesterday we celebrated the college graduation of 4 Clubhouse staff members. Kristina Zeff, Deoniss Jackson, Jhu'von Daniels and Brittany Higgs. Since they could not walk across stage at their respective colleges, Buffalo State & Fredonia the Clubhouses set up a social distance commencement ceremony.
Congratulations Graduates! #Graduation2020

05/14/2020

April's Employee of the Month is our Human Resource Director JENNIFER MICKENS: she has been with BGCB for 12 years and is always just a phone call away! Jennifer has played a significant role in meeting the demands that the pandemic has placed on our organization. Jennifer made herself available seven days a week thus allowing us the ability to focus on the process of opening additional clubs. Jennifer kept us up to date on the health and wellness of our front-line staff. Her quick response on staff availability was instrumental in allowing us to open three clubhouses that are serving the needs of our community. Jennifer is always willing to help wherever needed!

05/14/2020

KRISTINA ZEFF is our March Employee of the Month. As our organization made plans to re-open a clubhouse to respond to the needs of the families for first responders and essential personnel, Babcock became the logical choice. When we discussed the idea with Kristina, there was no hesitation. She was truly all in. Kristina along with our maintenance staff took on the responsibility of sanitizing the clubhouse, athletic equipment, art supplies and the clubhouse kitchen. Kristina contacted parents to assist us in getting our members in the door. She worked additional hours to create our temperature logs for both staff and members. Kristina continues to confirm her commitment to our kids, their families and this organization. She is truly an asset to our organization and has been with us since 2017.

05/14/2020

Our employee of the month for February is SHARON SLEY: Sharon has been with us since 2013 and since COVID-19 she has made herself available night and day 7 days per week. She has handled the huge workload with efficiency and grace. We can call, text or email her with any task 7 days per week and she responds instantly. We could not do the remote work without her can do attitude. Sharon is always energized and ready to meet the needs of this organization.

05/07/2020

Robin R. is the Clubhouse Director at Elmwood Village Charter School and our 21st Century Grant Coordinator. She has been changing lives and making a difference for 20 years here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Today this sign was put in Robin’s yard by the administrative staff at EVCS. Robin participated in the caravan parade a few weeks ago showing our members some love from a distance and a visual of their school and Clubhouse, reminding them we are here!
Thank you Robin Roeser, we appreciate your hard work and dedication to the kids we serve!

05/04/2020

Staying active at our Babcock Clubhouse getting in our 60 minutes of play. Practicing social distancing while having a basketball shoot out.

04/28/2020

Our doors remain open for kids of essential workers! Today the William C Baird Club participated in STEAM activities while practicing social distancing. One group drew pictures of how the trees look during the four seasons in Western New York. Funny... sometimes our Buffalo weather includes all four seasons a span of 24 hours! Another group of kids had the opportunity to get an up close and personal look of the digestive system, while staying far apart. Our STEAM Coordinator received quite a few interesting questions! Have you ever wondered what the inside of a hard drive looks like? Members took time to open one today and see all the parts inside of a computer.

Fun was had by all - Learning together but separately.

04/23/2020

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo

04/21/2020

04/09/2020

As essential workers in our community head off to the front lines their kids enjoyed coloring Easter eggs and decorating cookies. Social distancing CAN be fun!

04/07/2020

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo

04/06/2020

03/30/2020

*** UPDATE ***
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, as it has been for nearly 100 years, is committed to serving our community. Now more than ever before, we are here for our Club Members and their Families. In alignment with Governor Cuomo’s request for help, and in partnership with the Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz, we will be providing childcare services to healthcare, first responders, and essential personnel in our community beginning in April.

Initially, childcare services will be provided at our Babcock Clubhouse in South Buffalo located at 282 Babcock Street, and will then grow to include other Boys & Girls Club sites in the city of Buffalo. However, Please do not simply bring your child to the Boys & Girls Club, as Children must be registered in advance and spots are limited.

In alignment with the Center for Disease Control and Erie County Health Dept., there are precise protocols that MUST be followed. This service will be FREE for Buffalo Public School students whose parents are essential employees. If you are a parent that works in one of the above-mentioned groups and think you qualify for free childcare please call 716-825-1016 and leave the following information:

Your Name
Your Phone number
And the name of your child’s school

We will be in touch within 48 hrs.

Thank you and stay well.

Sincerely,
Shari McDonough, CEO

03/17/2020

Dear BGCB Family,

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, we want to do everything possible to keep our club members, their families, our staff and volunteers protected from the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Due to recent cases in Western New York, we have made the difficult decision to close our administrative office as well as our Clubhouses for the next couple of weeks. The administrative staff and Clubhouse Directors will be working remotely during this time.

As suggested by the Erie County Department of Health (DOH), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), we feel that our priority must be to do what we can to decrease the spread of the virus. We will also use this time to thoroughly clean, disinfect, restock and sanitize our clubhouses to prevent possible exposure or further spread of the virus. We have been in continuous contact with Mayor Brown’s office, the Office of Child & Family Services and the Erie County Executive’s office. We have had discussions with them regarding the potential need for additional school-age childcare for our health care workers, first responders and other essential employees during these unprecedented times.

It is our intent to be open for summer registration on April 6, 2020. Should this date change, or the need arises for additional precautions, we will update you with this information immediately as we fully understand the implications our closure has on both your child and your family.

As always, our commitment to our club members and their families in unwavering. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any questions or concerns [email protected].

Sincerely,

Shari McDonough, CEO

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo

03/11/2020

Our Eggertsville members had a visit from staff of the Buffalo Zoo. They brought magnifying glasses so the kids can be scientists for the day. The kids were able to look at different animal bones and they also brought in a live turtle!

03/05/2020

We are highlighting Career Week at Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Members from our Eggertsville Club had a tour of Buffalo Wild Wings. The Operations Manager took them on a facility tour, not only did they check out the restaurant, they were able to go see the kitchen, freezer, see how food is made, talk to the employees and get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to operate a BWW franchise on a daily basis.

03/03/2020

The Tower Garden at our William C. Baird Clubhouse is growing. The members are so excited to harvest the tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans! Stay tuned.

02/25/2020

10 members had the opportunity to enjoy snowboarding and skiing 🎿at Kissing Bridge. Here’s a few photos of their fun.

02/21/2020

Thank you Northwest Bank for supporting our Annual Junior Law Enforcement Day! We greatly appreciate your commitment to the children we serve in our Clubhouses.

02/19/2020

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo Variety Club Ice Hockey Program

See what it was like for our members to hit the Ice! Over the past 4 months, some of our members were able to participate in the Variety Club Ice Hockey Program. Members come together every Saturday and learn basic hockey skills, and get to put what they learn to practice on the ice! Thanks to our friends from the Variety Club for sponsoring the Program!

02/11/2020

Will you be our Valentine? AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of eligible purchased products labeled Amazon Smile to Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. To sign up, visit smile.amazon.com and choose Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo as your charity of choice.

02/06/2020

Congratulations to our very own Sports & Recreation Coordinator Mr. Joe Scarsella for being recognized as a Double-Goal Coach Regional Winner. Up against nearly 700 other nominees, Joe is one of 100 regional winners selected representing 44 of the 50 states! In the upcoming weeks they will announce the 25 National Winners. Best of luck Mr. Joe, we are all rooting for you! https://positivecoach.org/the-pca-blog/2020-double-goal-coach-award-regional-winners/

02/05/2020

Our members are more prepared for the extreme weather thanks to a generous donation from the Amherst Central School District. Bundle up everyone!

01/31/2020

01/31/2020

01/31/2020