- November 28, 2024
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida are hosting a series of outreach events throughout the summer and fall of 2022.
The "Save our Students" events aim to target teens in the neighborhoods throughout Orange County that are most vulnerable to youth crime and violence, and will offer a fun and engaging alternative to at-risk youth.
The themed programs, funded by the county, will provide food, music, games, contests and giveaways. In addition, children will receive positive messaging from community partners like Bishop Kelvin L. Cobaris and local law enforcement officers.
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said the county sees the events as a positive first step toward engaging the youth in the community who are most in need of positive adult role models.
“We expect these events to be the gateway to ongoing relationships that offer mentorship, academic support, as well as life and job skills training," Demings said.
The goal for the themed events, an outgrowth of the Orange County Citizens’ Safety Task Force, is for 100 youth to attend each community event.
“Teens need to know that they belong, that they have adults who care about them and peers that will support them," Gary Cain, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, said. "As club alumni, both Mayor (Jerry) Demings and I know the difference a Boys & Girls Club can make.”
The free events are open to youth ages 13-18 and no registration is required.
The majority of the events will be held at Boys & Girls Clubs located in Carver Shores, Pine Hills, West Lakes, Eatonville, Apopka, Taft and West Orange.
Each event will run from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer and fall, giving teens a positive option for weekend entertainment and socialization.
Two of the events will take place at the West Orange location, 309 South W. Crown Point Road, on Saturday, June 4, and Saturday, July 9.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, click here.