OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt, First Lady Sarah Stitt, and Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Justin Brown announced yesterday $15 million in CARES Act Funds to support 30+ Community HOPE Centers across the state. These centers will serve approximately 4,200 youth.
The first Community HOPE Center will serve youth in the Capitol Hill area at Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County’s Templo de Alabanza site which will have heightened safety and security protocols related to COVID-19. In addition to the top of the line evidence-based youth development programming, mentoring, and enrichment activities provided by BGCOKC, each Community HOPE Center will provide critical services to families including mental health services, access to OKDHS staff, nutritious meals and virtual learning tools. Students will also receive valuable support throughout the distance learning process in partnerships with local school districts.
“When the pandemic hit our state, the needs of our kids and families expanded tremendously, and our motto of doing “Whatever it Takes to Build Great Futures” took on a completely new meaning,” said President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Teena Belcik. “We are proud to expand our reach and to be the first site to open. We will begin serving kids next week, and we look forward to working with OKDHS, Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth-serving organizations across the state as we collectively serve more kids and families, and with deeper impact.”
Safety is the number one priority of BGCOKC and the Community HOPE Center at Capitol Hill will follow safety protocols related to the use of PPE, social distancing, sanitation, and use of masks.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a partner agency of the 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 see www.bgcokc.org.
