Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ (BGCSDC) role as a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner moves into a new era this month with the launch of a multi-year funding commitment from the venerable nonprofit leader.

United Way Suncoast kicked off its new fiscal year on July 1 by initiating the distribution of a three-year grant that will deliver $300,000 to BGCSDC. We will use the funds to support our Grade-Level Reading program. The purpose of the program is to ensure Club members are achieving grade-level benchmarks in Reading/Language Arts and are on-track for on-time grade advancement. Staff lead Club members through high-yield literacy activities, including leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with staff, helping others, homework help, tutoring and games that develop young people’s cognitive skills.

BGCSDC President/CEO, Bill Sadlo, expressed excitement about the support: One of the most important tools we can equip our young people with is the power of reading. Reading unlocks the world and all of its possibilities but it has to happen early. It’s the early years when students fall behind that make it so hard for them to catch up at school. That is why we are so thrilled to have this three-year commitment from United Way Suncoast that ensures the sustainability of this program for our youngest Club members so we can continue to do what we do best: help every Club member reach their full potential. United Way Suncoast has been a valuable partner not only for our organization but for our community and we are so grateful for this multi-year investment in our youth.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has played an integral role in the lives of local youth for more than 50 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With six Clubs across Sarasota and Desoto counties, BGCSDC helps empower students, ages 6-18, with the tools and mentorship to achieve academic success, develop character and leadership traits, instill healthy habits, engage in college and career preparation and so much more.

The community investment represents a first in United Way Suncoast’s 98-year history — a three-year commitment to 88 nonprofits that will total nearly $18 million by fiscal year 2025. In past years, United Way Suncoast issued annual grants. The new approach will empower BGCSDC to boost the strategic planning behind the program and grow together with United Way Suncoast.

“Our strategic community partners requested a change to multi-year funding and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll create trends and allow us to measure true impact; it’ll reduce the strain of the application process for the partners and UWS, and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.”

To learn more about how to give of your time, talent, and treasure, visit bgcsdc.org. You can learn more about United Way Suncoast at www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES: 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have played an integral role in the lives of local youth for more than 50 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.