February 26, 2021 (Bradenton, Fla) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County announced the opening of an afterschool and summer program to students attending Manatee Elementary School, A Community Partnership School. In response to the need for expanded learning opportunities, the Club will focus on providing academic support and enrichment activities that enable young people to reach their full potential.
In 2019, Manatee Elementary School became the first Community Partnership School in Southwest Florida. The Community Partnership Schools™ model brings together high-quality academics, health care, counseling, support, mentoring and more—all where students and their families are comfortable: in their own school. Manatee Elementary, A Community Partnership School is a partnership among Children’s Home Society of Florida, MCR Health, the School District of Manatee County and the University of South Florida.
This model provides the school with supportive services on campus for students and their families in order to alleviate burdens such as hunger, homelessness, poverty, violence, mental health services, illness and more. The partners enter into a long-term commitment to ensure stability and share in the decision-making process.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County gives special thanks to Kiwanis Club of Bradenton for matching funds from Deerbrook Charitable Trust to launch this initiative. “We are humbled to be asked to join such an important endeavor to address many challenges facing youth and families in our community. We truly couldn’t do this work without investment from our donors and look forward to engaging volunteers and other organizations to make a difference for generations to come,” said Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO.
“Bradenton Kiwanis is proud to sponsor the establishment of a new Boys & Girls Club at Manatee Elementary School, A Community Partnership School. As the founders of the first area Boys Club back in 1946, our Bradenton Kiwanis family can think of no better way to celebrate 75 years of partnership than by adding this much-needed location in 2021. We hope that families will grow with the Club and seek out the benefits that this experience provides,” said Bradenton Kiwanis President, Christy Cardillo.
“After-school enrichment is a key focus of the Community Partnership Schools model to improve course performance, as well as social and emotional learning,” said Charles Scherer, CHS Regional Executive Director. “The Manatee Elementary Boys & Girls Club afterschool program will provide engaging opportunities to motivate students to learn and expand their experiences, empowering them to find, pursue and attain success.”
“This new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County exemplifies the devotion of community members to improving the lives of our students and their families,” said Superintendent Cynthia Saunders. “It’s just another piece to the puzzle that will ensure Manatee Elementary School families receive the support they need to succeed.”
Manatee Elementary Boys & Girls Club after-school program is currently accepting applications for member enrollment by calling Club Director, Kevin Bickford, at 941-761-2582, extension 119.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In operation since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County currently provides afterschool and summer programs for over 1,000 young people at six locations (2 traditional Clubs and 4 school-based Clubs). The Clubs offer a safe place to learn and grow, where members experience both life-enhancing and character-building programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. For more information, call 941-761-2582 or visit https:/www.bgcmanatee.org.
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