Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation Makes Grant Possible
AURORA, IL, USA, September 8, 2022. The Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation (AWEF), announced that it has awarded the Boys & Girls Club of Aurora a grant to support its programming at Blackhawk Academy for the 2022-2023 school year. The goal will be to serve at least 30 students on a daily basis, Monday through Friday, after school, proving enriching out-of-school activities and caring mentorship to at-risk youth.
“We are strong supporters of the Boys & Girls Club mission to empower and enrich the lives of our youth, while helping families remain economically viable by providing equitable, affordable out-of-school care,” said Amy Baudouin, Board Chair, Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation. “Our Foundation’s nearly 125-year history as the Aurora YWCA was closely aligned with the Boys & Girls Club mission so we know, firsthand, how these types of programs can change lives and lift our community.”
Amy Baudouin
Cathy Russell
The Boys and Girls Club out-of-school programming is structured to achieve three primary outcomes: academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. “Our vision calls on us to assure success is within reach of every young person who participates in our programs and that they are on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future,” said Cathy Russell, CEO, Boys & Girls Club Elgin. “And with the support from the Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation, we are able to do this at Blackhawk Academy at no cost to families.”
The AWEF grant is specifically earmarked to support programming at Blackhawk Academy, 1879 W. Galena Boulevard in Aurora, for the 2022-2023 school year. The goal is to serve at least 30 students Monday through Friday, after school until 7pm. Programming will focus on reading and social emotional support and, depending on student need, may include: SMART Girls (healthy lifestyles programming); Power Hour (daily homework time); Project Learn (academic enrichment) Triple Play (sports and fitness programming); Career Launch (workforce development programming); Money Matters (financial literacy programming), and additional activities focused on STEM, social justice, community service, and art.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club visit their website at www.bgcelgin.org.
About…
The Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation mission is to elevate and empower Aurora-area women and future women by making grants to tax-exempt nonprofits engaged in meaningful, measurable work that helps women over the hurdles of inequity and exclusion, propelling them forward with life-changing programs and services. For more information about grants made by AWEF, including our grant guidelines and online application, visit awe-foundation.org.
Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, affordable place for kids and teens during critical out-of-school time. We offer life-changing programs and services to youth in Aurora, Elgin, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, South Elgin, and Streamwood. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Great futures start here. Learn more at bgcelgin.org.
