Our Why
After-school hours is a critical time for youth. It is a time when many children in our communities are left to fend for themselves without positive adult supervision. Some don’t get a healthy, balanced meal, or any evening meal whatsoever. Others, who need help with homework or other challenges, have nowhere to turn. This can lead to low graduation rates, violence and crime, drug and alcohol use, bullying, and suicide.
By the time they reach 6th grade, youth from middle-class families have likely spent 6,000 more hours learning than kids born into poverty.
The Need In Our Community Is Real
1 IN 4 CHILDREN COME FROM SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
83% OF BGCH YOUTH COME FROM LOW TO VERY LOW INCOME FAMILIES
10% OF HAWAII HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTEMPTED SUICIDE ONE OR MORE TIMES
1 IN 5 YOUTH IN HAWAII WILL NOT GRADUATE ON TIME WITH THEIR CLASS
I felt like I was a little bird with broken wings and I didn’t know how to fly. I didn’t feel like I was living, it felt more like I was trying to survive. Spalding Clubhouse accepted me for my broken self and I started to feel like my wings were healing and that I was growing. In my future I will be somebody great.
– Shalain M., 2018 State Youth of the Year Winner