Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore to lead collaborative of six Maryland Boys & Girls Club organizations to receive state support for youth development programs.
There is strength in numbers and collaboration is the catalyst for positive outcomes. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore is proud to embark on a joint effort to engage youth and law enforcement in positive relationships in partnership with other Boys & Girls Club organizations across Maryland. This initiative is made possible through support from the MD Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention and will provide structured programming to young people, through the Passport to Manhood and SMART Girls programs, in more than 15 communities across the state.
Both Passport to Manhood and SMART Girls are nationally recognized programs of Boys & Girls Clubs of America targeted to make the transition into adulthood seamless. Passport to Manhood teaches responsibility to boys ages 8 to 17 with sessions that focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. SMART Girls provides health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for girls ages 8 to 18.
The program features 14 sessions and provides opportunities for young people in underserved communities across Maryland to engage in productive mentoring relationships while being afforded a positive interaction with law enforcement. The program will be implemented by six Boys & Girls Club organizations that serve communities and counties also under the jurisdiction of Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network. Additionally, the DMV Police Athletic/Activities League will provide training and event support.
Funding will not only support youth programs but will spur collaboration and sharing of best practices in community/law enforcement engagement among the collaborating entities.
“On behalf of all the young people we serve in Baltimore and our collaborating partners across the state, we are thrilled to receive this support from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention,” stated Jeff Breslin, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore. “GOCCP resources further validate that Boys & Girls Clubs and P.A.L. programs are essential programs to support a strong working relationship between young people and law enforcement.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore
Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.