The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island served nearly 300 youth and teens last year for a total of 30,000 service hours.

Like most of the human service agencies on the iIsland, the club is very visible to those we directly serve but much less visible to the balance of the community who we directly affect.

By providing a positive place for our youth and by meeting our mission –”To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens” – the club helps build a stronger community.

It is said that our youth are like mirrors – they reflect back the treatment they receive. Whenever I am in the club and see how the kids enjoy, appreciate and respect the club staff, it is obvious they are being positively supported, treated with respect, and are also expected to act responsibly.

In many cases the club helps the kids build on the strong foundation they are receiving at home. There are also many situations where the child’s home environment is more challenging. The club also helps these kids grow to their full potential by providing a positive, supportive environment.

All youths can attend, regardless of a family’s financial situation. However, we need community help and support so we can continue to provide the many programs to our island youth.

As the club celebrates its 10th year as a chartered Boys and Girls Club on the island, I invite you to learn more about our club by receiving a personal tour from one of our kid tour guides at our open house on March 15 from 6– 7 p.m. (www.bipositiveplace.org.)

Our youth is our future. The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island helps make it a more positive future for many.

Tim Jacobsen,

board member