Empowering Futures: A Spotlight on Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and Their Mission to Shape Young Lives

Published October 25, 2023 on LiveinEverett.com

We recently caught up with Marci Volmer, Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. They just hosted their annual fundraiser, and in reviewing the sponsor list, we were astonished at the vast number of organizations, businesses and individuals working to support the vital organization. Marci stated, "We are successful largely in part due to our longstanding and deeply rooted relationships in the Snohomish County Community. Having been in Snohomish County for 76 years, we are lucky to have an amazing alumni base - some even were original members!"

The support is understandable because when you consider BGCSC's mission and programs, it's hard not to get behind it. 

BGCSC's mission is "To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." The club does this work with programs falling into their priority outcome areas of Healthy Lifestyles, Academic Success, and Good Character and Citizenship. 

BGCSC served over 17,000 youth in 2022, with 57% eligible for free and reduced lunch. They have 25 clubs, including ten outside of Snohomish County, in areas with the need for a safe space for kids. Programs include before and after-school childcare, summer camp programs, recreational sports, workforce development programs, and teen nights. Academic programs provide homework support and there is opportunity to participate in special clubs such as Digital Arts, DramaMatters, Imagemakers, and National Fine Arts. 

Club Tech helps build computer skills, and Junior Staff is for ages 13-18 interested in careers in youth or human services. InspireHer is a volunteer-led career exploration program for girls, but Marci said it is "really open to anyone!" They do a bi-weekly virtual "career talk" for 30 minutes and small group field trips and panel discussions with women in all fields.

If you feel like yes!, I'd love to support our young community members; these programs offer ample ways to get involved. The BGCSC team works to customize meaningful ways for volunteers, individuals and businesses to support the club. Marci shared, "If it is a company in a STEM field, we will invite their employees to the club to teach or participate in a STEM activity. If someone is passionate about art, we will set up an art experience for the volunteer to do with youth."

Offices and organizations sometimes want to support the program, but not necessarily hands-on. Marci said, "We totally get that and will work with them to set up school supply drives, holiday gift drives, and even summer sunscreen and flip-flop drives!"

Lastly, BGCSC has a new Director of Youth Workforce Development, Heather Freeman (LSC Class of 2020). She is working to find opportunities for youth to broaden their horizons, expose them to internships, work on soft skills, and ensure they are ready for today's workforce and beyond. Some of you may have ideas of how to support BGCSC in this capacity, so send them to Heather.