Boys Club Of Duluth

In april of 2019, the boys & girls clubs of the northland began providing intentional mental health supports in the clubs. Our initial programming goals were to integrate mental health staff into the clubs and create dialogues that helped to remove the stigma attached to mental health related issues. Currently, the club's behavioral health coordinator works with members and their families to meet each child's unique mental and behavioral health needs. This includes assessing the social emotional skill levels of youth and teens, making referrals to additional services and supports, suggesting appropriate coping mechanisms, and working along side youth and their families to meet goals. As a part of this initiative, we host social work interns who bring an additional layer of support and knowledge to club youth and families.

Our academic success programs work to ensure all club members graduate from high school on time, ready to build a productive future. These programs help to prepare club members for college, trade school, the military or employment by providing one on one tutoring and mentoring on site and in the schools. As part of this initiative, we partner with area agencies such as: local school districts (including isd709, isd318, isd317, and isd701), university of mn duluth, the college of st. Scholastica, university of wisconsin superior, minnesota north college, and community members interested in volunteering to support academic programming. Through the academic success programs, we work to increase youth performance in key areas of education: language, reading, math and science, while promoting positive attitudes towards academic goals.

Our life & workforce readiness programs help young people meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow by providing a safe space, positive mentorships, and work experiences that allow kids and teens to explore their interests and passions. To achieve success in this area, we collaborate with many local organizations and professions to provide opportunities to explore career paths and prepare youth with employability skills for future success. The club also connects teens to real-life work experiences such as internships and apprenticeships.

Our clubs good character & citizenship programs help our youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to grow into engaged and active members of their community. Program participants have access to leadership develop skills training and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to their club and community. As part of this initiative, we partner with key area agencies as they pertain to our cause, such as: duluth police department, hibbing police department, grand rapids police department, rotary international, mentor north, and community leaders.

One of our most positive and successful programs for the kids has been the outdoor adventures program. This program was developed with the goal of showing club members that the outdoors provides a safe space for them to grow their confidence and express themselves. In this initiative we partner with local agencies such as university of mn duluth, hartley nature center, duluth parks & recreation, university of mn extension services, ecolibrium 3, and other community organizations. Additionally, through donated property on island lake, members enjoy opportunities to unplug from technology and explore their creative minds. The club employs a seasonal outdoor program coordinator who provides environmental education and outdoor recreation activities during the summer months.