Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi: Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment for children and teens, bridging the gap between school and home. By offering a place where young people can have fun, engage in life-changing programs, and build meaningful relationships with both peers and caring adults, the organization helps children grow into productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
With a mission “to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential,” the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi is addressing a critical need in the region. In Mississippi, 63,413 children are left unsupervised after school each day, putting them at risk of negative influences and unsafe situations. After-school programs, like those provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs, offer essential expanded learning opportunities for 70,558 students, providing a safe haven for children while their parents work.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi operates five clubhouses, including the L.O.U. Barksdale Boys & Girls Clubhouse in Oxford, as well as locations in Tupelo, Ripley, and New Albany. On any given day, 377 children participate in after-school activities, with 54,574 meals and snacks provided throughout the year. Serving a diverse group of youth, nearly 95 percent of club members are minorities, and 88 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch. Additionally, 56 percent of the children served come from single-parent households.
At the L.O.U. Barksdale Clubhouse in Oxford alone, 239 youth were served last year, with 19,195 meals distributed. The club offers a range of programs, from sports lessons to academic support services like tutoring and mentoring. The staff works diligently to help children build self-confidence, make positive decisions, and stay engaged in their education.
One of the proudest achievements of the Oxford club is its 100 percent high school graduation rate. As member and volunteer Cianna Davis shared, “I love being at the Boys & Girls Club. It really helps me stay academically focused.”
The success of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi is made possible by the strong support of the local community. However, the organization is currently in need of additional funds to cover activity fees, supplies, utilities, and transportation costs. Community members are encouraged to donate in several ways—through monetary gifts or by contributing snack foods, gift cards, and cleaning supplies.
To support the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, visit bgcnms.org or make a monetary donation at BGCMS.org. Stay connected with the clubs on Facebook at Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi for updates and more information.
