The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI) offer invaluable after school supervision, mentoring, and extra-curricular experiences to youth across the region. They have several locations in Lake and Porter counties, including their East Chicago Katherine House.
The BGCNWI Katherine House allows BGCNWI offerings to be accessible to and inexpensive for East Chicago families. The provide programs such as:
-Academic Success programs
-Good Character and Citizenship programs
-Healthy Lifestyle programs
These three categories of BGCNWI offerings work to help NWI youth have success in the following key outcome areas:
-Graduate from high school ready to pursue college or a career
-Develop leadership capabilities
-Develop the desire to make a difference in the community
-Adopt a healthy diet
-Practice positive lifestyle choices
-Maintain a commitment to fitness
However, none of this could be possible without a safe, functioning building in which East Chicago kids can participate in the programs. This year, the Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) awarded BGCNWI a $15,000 Sustaining Grant for repairs to be made at the East Chicago Katherine House. These repairs included landscaping, tree removal, structural updates, and more that all contributed to “the overall enhancement, functionality, and beautification of the Club,” said BGCNWI.
These improvements work to ensure that East Chicago youth will have a safe, functional, and lasting facility at which they can learn and grow.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and their contribution to the community of East Chicago, visit www.FoundationsEC.org.
