OKLAHOMA CITY – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County and Bank of America announced funding to support the organization’s Club sites in South Oklahoma City, which opened to ensure Hispanic students can participate in school online and receive support.
With Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and other districts providing online learning, the Boys & Girls Clubs set up all-day locations across the city, each open five days a week from 7:30 am to 6 pm, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks to children in the community, while also offering internet connectivity, homework help, online learning support, enrichment activities and more.
“The all-day Club sites have been a priority for our team to not only meet the needs of children that are facing uncertainty in education and access to food, but also to give them the opportunity to be kids and have fun,” said Teena Belcik, Boys & Girls Clubs President & CEO. “Bank of America’s support is helping us continue to meet our goals in south OKC, where we are serving approximately 125 kids and growing.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County received $100,000 as a part of Bank of America’s commitment to advancing economic mobility by supporting nonprofit organizations serving education and workforce, community development and basic needs.
“These Clubs are playing a critical role in facilitating online education for students across Oklahoma City, while also meeting their basic needs by providing a safe environment, meals and snacks,” said Tony Shinn, Bank of America Oklahoma City Market President. “By supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Bank of America hopes to sustain these necessary services and show our appreciation for the important roles that our nonprofit partners, like the Boys & Girls Club, play in providing critical services.”
The Boys & Girls Club received CARES funding allocated through the State, which only covered a portion of the anticipated costs. With high demand to support Hispanic students in South Oklahoma City, the funding will help meet the needs of the community as they prepare to return to in-person education.
“Without this vital support, many of these kids would be at home alone without supervision, internet access, or food, and would be falling further behind in school. Additionally, parents can now go to work knowing that their kids are safe, happy, fed, and receiving academic support,” said Teena Belcik. “Bank of America is helping ensure these children and their families have the opportunity to thrive.”
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a proud partner agency of United Way of Central Oklahoma. BGCOKC’s mission is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” BGCOKC offers evidence-based national programs in the areas of academics, the arts, college and career planning, athletics, health and nutrition, anti-bullying, drug and alcohol prevention, inclusion and diversity, and leadership. These programs contribute toward achieving our three Priority Outcomes of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Strong Character & Citizenship. For additional information, please visit www.bgcokc.org.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
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