Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546059
16 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Expand workforce development op- portunities for youth and young adults through driver's education, career read- iness training, and industry-recognized certifications, including Job Ready, Lifeguard, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Launch IT, and InsureU career pathway programs. 2. Maintain strong youth outcomes by ensuring 96% of members report having a trusted Club adult, increasing members' sense of belonging from 92% to 95%, and sustaining high rates of abstinence from smoking/vaping and other substance use. 3. Expand access to food security and wraparound services, including Kids Café, the food pantry, backpack pro- gram, holiday meal initiatives, hygiene support, and connections to additional family resources. 4. Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Harrington Clubhouse by engaging alumni, donors, and community part- ners through special events, expanding named gi opportunities, and raising philanthropic support to preserve and enhance the Club for future genera- tions. Boys & Girls Club of Worcester Boys & Girls Club of Worcester 65 Boys & Girls Club Way Worcester, MA 01610 Phone: (508) 754-2686 www.bgcworcester.org Employees: 125 Annual revenues: $4,894,643 Year founded: 1889 MISSION STATEMENT To inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible adults. Caring professional staff forge relationships with Club kids and help them learn, grow, and succeed. All programs are based on a model that builds self- esteem, belonging, competence, and influence SERVICE AREA Worcester and surrounding towns TOP FUNDING SOURCES 15%: Contributions 50%: Grants 30%: Childcare Revenue 5.Grow and diversify funding sources to strengthen long-term sustainability amid changing government and philan- thropic priorities. 6. Move from the quiet phase to the community phase of our "A Club to Call Home" Capital Campaign, advanc- ing fundraising efforts to build a new 40,000-square-foot Great Brook Valley Clubhouse. e new facility will increase daily capacity from 50 to 500 youth. 7. Successfully integrate the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project's (WRAP) core programs into the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, ensuring continued access to online and in person English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, aerschool childcare and educational support while expanding opportunities for refugee and immigrant families to learn, thrive, and belong. 8. Expand the Club's presence in youth development deserts throughout Worcester by strengthening neigh- borhood partnerships, increasing outreach programming, and creating more equitable access to high-quality youth development opportunities for children, teens, and families. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Holiday Giving, November–December 2026: Donate gis, gi cards, or make a monetary donation to help provide presents and meals for 2,000+ children and 250+ families this season. Festival of Trees, December 10–12, 2026: Sponsorship opportunities, do- nate a tree, purchase a tree raffle ticket, or an admission ticket to view our winter wonderland. 138th Annual Meeting– June 2027: Celebrate the accomplishments of Club youth and community leaders through the presentation of scholarships, Youth of the Year recognition, Alumni Hall of Fame inductions and community awards. Opportunities include event sponsorships, tribute gis, and donations supporting youth programs and services. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Named gi opportunities are available as part of the 20th Anniversary of the Harrington Clubhouse, allowing donors to leave a lasting legacy by recognizing loved ones, businesses, or organiza- tions while investing in the future of Worcester's youth. Additional naming opportunities are also available through our Great Brook Valley "A Club to Call Home" Capital Campaign. Sponsors are needed throughout the year for special events, youth programs, and workforce development initiatives. We conduct fall and spring annual ap- peals, and secure online giving is avail- able year-round through our website. Supporters can also contribute through our Summer Hero Campaign, Amazon Wish List, and by providing in-kind donations such as food, toiletries, clean- ing supplies, school supplies, winter clothing, and holiday gis for local families. Businesses can further support our mission by sponsoring career read- iness initiatives, certification programs, technology upgrades, transportation for educational experiences, and oppor- tunities that prepare youth and young adults for successful futures. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Kids Café: Sponsor a meal for 300 youth, serve dinner to Club kids, or prepare a meal, e.g. a cookout, for our members. Timeframe: Weekdays year-round, lunch (summer) or dinner (school year). Community Leader Reader: Bring your favorite book or pick one from our li- brary to read to our younger members. Timeframe: Weekday aernoon(s)/eve- ning(s) year-round, 1–2 hours. Run a workshop/be a guest speaker on resume writing, field entry require- ments, interview tips, college prep topic, etc. Timeframe: Weekday aernoon(s)/eve- ning(s) year-round, 1–2 hours. Day of service: Group of volunteers cleans, paints, does yard work, etc. Timeframe: School year weekdays before 2:00. Arts & Crafts: Lead an activity for members. Timeframe: Weekday aernoon(s)/eve- ning(s) year-round, 1–2 hours. Special Event Committees: Help orga- nize fundraising events. Timeframe: Monthly meetings. "Serving on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club is an investment in the future of our community. As a former Club kid, I've experienced firsthand the lasting impact the Club has on children and families. My financial support and volunteer leadership help ensure that Worcester's youth have a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. I encourage others to invest in the Boys & Girls Club and help create life- changing opportunities for the next generation." - Dennis O'Leary, community volunteer Liz Hamilton CEO Kristine Bostek Board President Kristine Bostek, Fallon Health, President Ed McGinn, Worcester Police Department, Vice President of Safety Kathleen Glowacki, Bartholomew & Company, VP of Resource Development Caitlin Devaney-Fortwengler, CJ Global Marketing, Clerk/Secretary Jackie Cunningham, Cunningham & Associates, Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Kara Devaney-Brandt, Hanover Insurance Group Dennis O'Leary, community volunteer Mary Roy, CRC Insurance Services Miurka Torres, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Kerry Crutchley, Central One Federal Credit Union Kate Ota, Worcester Public Schools Cuc Nguyen, Country Bank Jim Croteau, Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Robert Lane, UMass Medical Chan Sue Hunt, College of the Holy Cross Dan Martin, Raymond James